I was six years old when Micheal Jackson released the song Thriller. It scared the you know what out of me. I had no idea who Vincent Price was but his soliloquy at the beginning and his maniacal laugh at the end inadvertently started my love for scary movies. And while past Octobers of scary movie after scary movie have been replaced by watching Scooby Doo with my three-year-old son, I have found that Kirkland can be a scary place, beyond the City Council.

There are many events happening in and around Kirkland that scream out – HALLOWEEN!

Bastyr University’s Haunted Trails is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The event will take place on Oct. 23 and 24 from 5-11 p.m. The event costs $12 per person, $11 with a non-perishable food donation. The event also includes a huge 2,400-square-foot maze called Hades Labyrinth, which is $8 per person and begins at 7 p.m.

Participants have to be at least eight years of age for both the Haunted Trails and Hades Labyrinth.

For kids ages seven and younger, the event offers a less scary option. Trick or Treat Trail runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and provides kids a chance to both enjoy a “lighter” version of the Haunted Trails tour and collect special Halloween treats. Cost is $3 per child.

Children can also go inside for Halloween Story Time after walking the Trick or Treat Trail. Story time begins at 7 p.m. with a different Halloween tale told each night. Cost is $1 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ticket sales begin 15 minutes prior to the opening of each event. Organizers will also be able to take credit and debit cards this year.

Bastyr University woods and campus is located at 14500 Juanita Drive N.E. just outside Kirkland in the city of Kenmore.

From established to new, a Halloween Express has opened in the ghostly vacant mall known as Totem Lake. The old Gottschalks has been converted into the large halloween supply store, equipped with the Seattle House of Horrors haunted house. The event is created by a Hollywood prop supplier, Ghostride Productions. The tours are from 7 p.m. to midnight on specific days. Oct. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31 and Nov. 1 are full shows and a “Lights on” kids show will be provided from 2-5 p.m. on Oct. 21, 25 and Nov. 1. A half price coupon is available at the event’s Web site at Haunted House Totem Lake Mall is located at 12601 120th Ave.

Another place to go for costumes this year is the location of the old Joe’s Sporting Goods on N.E. 124th Street. The huge store has been converted into a 7,500 square foot Spirit Halloween store.

“We’ve been open since (Sept.) 26,” said store manager Suzanne Dillon. “We got set up in four days.”

The store has some elaborate displays that are worth checking out.

Kirkland will also be the place for events on Halloween. Downtown Merchants’ Pumpkin Carving Contest will take place on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Kids are invited to go trick or treating in downtown Kirkland on Halloween from 2-4 p.m. Barkz will also participate and encourages people to bring their dogs in costume. The business will hold a contest for the best dog costume from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the winner receiving a $20 gift card.

The North Kirkland Community Center will have a Halloween Spooktacular Dance on Oct. 31 from 7-9 p.m. Organizers encourage participants to come in a costume for an evening of fun dancing and socializing. For more information call 425-587-3350.

No matter what you do to try and scare up some adrenalin this Halloween, before voting in new city council members on Nov. 3, these events in Kirkland are sure to provide a “Thriller” of an experience.

Safety tips for trick-or-treating from the KPD

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape.

• Secure emergency identification discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.