Family makes new memories at Holden Arboretum ‘Spooky meets spectacular: Skeleton Grove’ - The News-Herald
Published by: The News-Herald
By Frank Mecham
Original article found here
The predicted high winds and rain showers on Oct. 19 weren’t stopping Michelle Trotman, husband Eddie and their two toddlers Geneviev and Lilah from having a good time at the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland.
She said they found out about the Skeleton Grove online and wanted to walk among the treetops after checking out the bones, as long as Mother Nature held out a bit more.
“We live in Mentor, so it’s pretty close,” Trotman said. “We’ve never been here before, and our girls are toddlers now, so they can walk around and enjoy it. We wanted to go see the canopy walk.
“In fall, especially in this area is beautiful. It’s the best time of the year if you ask me.”
A skeleton reaches out to a stack of bound sticks as part of the Holden Arboretum display. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald)
She said that they had to skip the traditional trick-or-treat night because of a family event, but that they recently took Geneviev and Lilah, who dressed up as Snow White and Minnie Mouse, to trick or treat at the zoo as they were starting to reach the age where “spooky” can be fun.
“My husband and my daughters are spooky, so now I have to be spooky,” Trotman said with a smile. “They like the scary things, so we are kind of leaning into the Halloween. I just think it’s a cool thing to add on, the more additions a place has like this, the more it’s going to attract families and things like that. For us, that’s a plus.”
Different members of the Skeleton Grove hang out around the grounds of the Holden Arboretum. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald)
She said they were excited to see what else was available at the park, as it was a welcome break from the routine, and that they were planning to come back.
“I think it’s just wonderful to have this open to people,” Trotman said. “Especially, with the hustle and bustle of city or suburban life, it’s great to have natural environments where you can go and just embrace the beauty of nature.”
A skeleton checks their side mirrors on a trolly. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald)
Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, includes “Spooky meets spectacular: Skeleton Grove” with normal admission and will run until Nov. 2.