Vampire

1. Mummers time Annual Alasatia Mummers Parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. The route is along North Potomac Street and South Potomac Street, downtown Hagerstown. Local floats, bands and individual costumed mummers. For ticketed seating, call 301-790-3500. For information, call 301-797-3944. 2. Dining with Dracula Dinner with Dracula and Vampire's Ball will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Shepherdstown Men's Club, 102 E. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va.

The odds are pretty good that you or someone you know has been visited by a vampire. Or maybe it was a shape-shifter or a werewolf. They're hard to avoid, because they seem to be everywhere — on television, in movies and in best-selling books. In fact, otherworldly creatures have almost become mainstream. Maybe it's because they've come a long way from Bram Stoker's version of Dracula. Today's undead are charismatic and sultry and have ethereal good looks. And they have legions of fans all bitten by the paranormal bug. The flurry of interest in the supernatural bodes well for Jeaniene Frost and Pamela Palmer, who have found their niche writing paranormal fiction.

Last week in my review of the lousy "Contraband," I wrote that January and February generally consist of a miserable slate of new releases. The principle is that if a movie were any good, it would be released in the summer or near a holiday where it could get a ton of business. Though it will dominate the weekend box office because there isn't another franchise piece in sight, "Underworld: Awakening" is indeed a miserable new release. The film is so bad that the season could include three decent new releases and I would still consider it a dumping ground because it contained this one. By my own admission, it doesn't help that I'm just now entering the franchise.

Members of the Pulse writing team join other students from the area to tell about great and not-so-great moments in their Halloween celebrations. Elina Mir, 12, St. Mary School I am going to be a female version of Harry Potter this Halloween. I know that sounds weird, but my dad picked it out. Last night, I cut up my dad's pants to make a skirt. I'll wear a skirt and rope with black glasses. Darcy Shull, 14, North Hagerstown High School One year, I was invited to go trick-or-treating with three friends - separately.

For Friday through Sunday Movie times listed are those provided as of noon Wednesday and may be revised by theaters at any time. MARYLAND     LEITERSBURG CINEMAS 20145 Leitersburg Pike, Hagerstown • 240-329-2093 www.leitersburgcinemas.com Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (R) - Fri./Sat. - 1:35 p.m.; Sun. - 4:55 p.m. The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13) - Fri./Sat. - 10:30 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 1:20, 1:30, 4:10, 4:20, 7, 7:10, 9:50, 10 p.m.; Sun. - 1:30, 1:40, 4:20, 4:30, 7:10, 7:20 p.m. Brave (PG)

Marrying a vampire, trying to straighten out a best friend's jealousy and dealing with a life-threatening visit from the ancient coven of vampires called the Volturi all in one book? Yeah, I'm talking about "Breaking Dawn," the latest and final addition to one of the most talked about series called "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. Have you ever asked yourself: "Do Edward and Bella stay together forever?" If so, then I'm happy to inform you that yes, this question is going to be answered.

Last week Washington County's United Way campaign wound up its 1996 campaign, raising a record-breaking $1.6 million for its 24 member agencies. Today we'd like to thank the people who made it possible, starting with campaign co-chairs Al Martin and Doug Wright. Heading up a fund-raising effort like this one involves a lot more than putting your name on a letterhead and attending progress report luncheons. It means organizing an army of volunteers and convincing them to do this important job well, for no pay at all. We also salute the volunteers on the front lines, the people who knock on doors, who make phone calls and pass out pledge cards.

Now everyone can take control of Spider-Man and save New York City, just like Spidey himself. "Spider-Man 3: The Game," was released on the same day as the movie "Spider-Man 3. " Versions were developed for PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS and, most importantly, Nintendo Wii. I bought the Wii version, of course. The game follows the story of the movie for the most part, and also has a few extra side stories to go through as well. Other villains include the Lizard, Shriek, and Morbius the vampire.

SHARPSBURG - When Stacey and Deanna Garvin found Logan at an animal shelter in Virginia, the husky's fur was matted and he was so skinny his ribs showed. On Saturday, he won "Best in Show. " The Hagerstown sisters cried tears of joy when their blue-eyed boy took the trophy at the first-ever Howlaween Fun Show at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center. "He's the most spoiled puppy in the world," Stacey Garvin said. Logan joined 74 other dogs of all sizes, shapes and colors at the show, which was sponsored by Basset Hound Rescue of Old Dominion.

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- More than 1,000 people came out Saturday to celebrate the fourth annual Charles Town Heritage Day Festival. This year marks the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on the federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., and the 125th anniversary of Charles Town's two fire companies, said Bob O'Connor, chairman of the festival committee. "The festival is tied together with the history of Charles Town," O'Connor said. Craft vendors were selling their wares on Washington and George streets, and the Independent and Citizens fire companies were showing off fire equipment, including an 1872 steam pumper from New York state that the Independent Fire Co. purchased in 1885.