So you made it to Elm Ridge.

Everyone is happy you’re here.

The locals and I have put together a list of our favorite things to do around town during Summerween, so you’ll always have something to look forward to.

If you happen to get bored—or you’re simply not sure where to begin—we’ve also included A Perfect Day in Elm Ridge: Summerween Edition to help you settle into town.

If you have any questions, feel free to stop by and chat with one of the locals. And be sure to keep an ear out for the WELM Public Radio broadcasts. They’ll usually tell you everything you need to know about what’s happening around town that week.

Well… enjoy yourself.

And welcome to Elm Ridge.

Elm Ridge Summerween Bucket List

Borrow a mysterious library book from Veronica.
Leave a note inside a returned library book.
Eat blackberry pie at Ursula’s Diner.
Wander the woods.
Listen for frogs after dark.
Make monster masks with Delphine.
Read during a thunderstorm.
Watch a spooky movie after sunset.
Drink blackberry lemonade.
Write a ghost story.
Find the oldest tree in town.
Count lightning bugs.
Build a blanket fort for movie night.
Visit the county fair after dark.

If you’re only visiting for the day and can’t possibly fit everything in, don’t worry.

Here’s how we’d spend one perfect Summerween day in Elm Ridge.

A Perfect Day in Elm Ridge: Summerween Edition

Morning

📺 Watch Scooby-Doo or The Legend of Zelda (1989) with a big bowl of popcorn.

Lunch

🌽 Have a country fair lunch.

Afternoon

🎨 Make Summerween crafts.

Paint or carve a watermelon jack-o’-lantern. (If you decide to paint it, make sure the paint is washable… and wash it off before eating it.)

Evening

🍋 Make a pitcher of blackberry lemonade.

Take it outside, listen for the frogs, and wait for the lightning bugs to come out.

Every county fair deserves something delicious to eat.

Here’s what we’d pack for a Summerween picnic.

Elm Ridge Summer Fair Lunch

Main

Mini Corn Dogs
(or regular hot dogs if that’s what you have)

Crazy Corn (Toddler-Friendly)

A playful take on street corn for little ones.

Corn kernels
Mayonnaise
Cotija or shredded cheese
A light dusting of mild Takis seasoning (optional)

Side

Watermelon Jack-o’-Lanterns

Paint your watermelon first.

Wash it well.

Then slice it up and enjoy.

Snacks

Popcorn
Pretzels
Cheese Puffs

Drink

Blackberry Lemonade

—or any favorite homemade lemonade.

Dessert

Easy Funnel Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon citrus zest (optional, but highly recommended)
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Mix all ingredients until smooth.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot.
Spoon the batter into the hot oil using a spoon, funnel, or squeeze bottle.
Fry until golden brown.
Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Dust generously with powdered sugar.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Before you head back home…

Don’t forget to return your library books.

Wave to your neighbors.

And if you happen to stop by Ursula’s Diner…

Save room for pie.

We’ll see you around town.

Summerween in Elm Ridge: A Visitor’s Guide