Create Columbia will hold events showcasing the fun and artistry of Halloween.

The historic Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St., Columbia, will be the site of a themed masked dance from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. Guests are encouraged, but not required, to wear costumes and masks inspired by attire worn in the 1920s as a nod to the event theme of the Roaring '20s. Live music, hors d'oeuvres, and beverages will be part of the festivities. Tickets may be prepurchased by calling Kay Leader at 717-449-0231. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door. Those who have not prepurchased tickets are advised to call to inquire about the availability of remaining tickets. This year's venue offers parking and greater access.

The Halloween House Tour will return for a fourth year on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 2 to 7 p.m. The Masquerade, which debuted in 2023, will return for a repeat performance.

Guests are welcome to visit the participating venues at their own pace and in any order. The seven locations include private homes and nonresidential properties. While some venues may be familiar, each stop will offer something different from what participants may have seen on previous tours.

Visitors to the historic Columbia Market House, built in 1869, can make their way to the basement to see the dungeon, which was originally used as storage space by farmers. When the local jail filled up, the extra prisoners were taken to the dungeon.

Also included in the tour is the home and business of Christopher Prestia. Purchased in a derelict state, the property has undergone the first stages of restoration work. It features remaining areas of bare 150-year-old plaster and subfloor, unrestored woodwork, and a collection of antique organs and clocks.

The home of Gary and Denise Brubaker features old, new, antique, and vintage decorations. The collection, started more than 25 years ago, includes papier-mache pumpkins, cats, and '50s plastic items.

Tourgoers may stop for a rest at the Columbia Town Square, a small public park that was designed and built more than 20 years ago by Columbia Town Gardeners, which is a reactivated committee of Create Columbia. The committee is partnering with Columbia Borough and the Parks and Recreation Committee to refresh the landscape design and replant tulip bulbs that were planted in memory of the lives lost on 9/11.

Mini tours will be offered at Mount Bethel Cemetery, where people can see notable markers and mausoleums.

The other stops will be St. Paul's Episcopal Church, which was founded in 1851, and Columbia Curiosities, an antiques and oddities shop featuring a vintage Halloween selection.

Admission tickets will be available at the Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St., on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. and again on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon. They may also be purchased on the day of the tour at Mount Bethel Cemetery, 700 Locust St., or at the historic Columbia Market House from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Purchases may be made via cash or check or, for an additional fee, by credit card.

The events are made possible through sponsorships by B&T Sportswear, Foresters of America 235, Columbia Loyal Order of the Moose, Columbia-Middletown Elks Lodge 1074, Columbia Lions Club, and Sunsnappers. For more information on the events, visit http://www.facebook.com/createcolumbia.

Create Columbia is a local nonprofit organization that promotes Columbia as a creative and vital community.