My undying fondness for the colour orange is just another reason to absolutely love this season. It’s a brilliant part of nature’s autumn palette.

As icing on the cake, we’re only two short weeks until Halloween’s greatest symbol, the classic orange jack-o-lantern, will adorn front porches throughout Vernon and beyond.

I’m happy to see it’s that spooky time of year again, where everything from monsters and ghosts to princesses and superheroes culminate in colourful festivities all over the valley.

All Hallow’s Eve, on a Saturday night this year, promises to be positively thrilling for those who get a kick out of being startled and frightened.

For your ghoulish celebrations, check out some of these well-loved haunts:

Start out at the Okanagan Science Centre’s Spooktacular Haunted House. This haunted house is open Oct. 24 and 25 and reopens from Oct. 28 through to Halloween night.

A junior haunted house is offered for kids 10 and under and those 10 and up will want to check out the very spine-tingling scary version.

The science centre is in the red brick building at the northeast corner of Polson Park and admission is payable at the door.

The sixth annual Walk of Terror will take place amongst the woods and fields of Caravan Farm Theatre Oct. 31.

See what Dr. Moira Messenger’s Medicine Show has to offer and dance the night away in the Billionaire’s Ball featuring live music from Vancouver’s seven-piece Blackberry Wood.

Advanced tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).

 Also on Halloween night, you can treat yourself to the Old Souls Night at Fandango Farms on Irish Creek Road.

The music and dancing starts at 8 p.m. and goes until daylight.

Tickets are available at the gate but you can save a few dollars by purchasing your tickets in advance from the Ticket Seller.

On Oct. 29, Derek Selinger will enchant his audience with his signature magical theatrical experience.

Beyond starts at 7:30 p.m. and you’ll be fascinated by Selinger’s many talents in this spectacular Vegas-style presentation. Call 549-SHOW for tickets.

Part of Vernon’s heritage includes a tragic night in 1909 when the Okanagan Hotel burned to the ground.

A film has been created to retell the story of heroic Archie Hickling and to commemorate those who lost their lives in the incident. The film, When Duty Calls, will be premiered at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available through the Ticket Seller.

The North Okanagan Community Concert Association kicks off its 56th season with Duo Affinité on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Combining the talents of trumpeter, cornist, pianist and vocalist Guy Few and bassoonist Nadina Mackie Jackson, Duo Affinité offers an evening of true musical delight.

Subscriptions and single-show tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Seller.

Don’t miss the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra’s 50th season opener tonight starting at 7 p.m.

Big Bang features Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Wagner’s overture to the opera Die Meistersinger, Ernst Schneider’s Romantic Concerto and a selection from Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Tickets can still be purchased within the hour before show time or online at www.ticketseller.ca.

Go ahead, wear something orange and enjoy the shows!