Once a bustling flour mill, Gardner Village is now home to many specialty retail shops and restaurants. It also boasts the distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it received the 1987 Utah Heritage Award for the most-improved commercial building.

But that's nothing compared to the village's most-recent transformation. It is now a haunt for magical displays of larger-than-life witches. And it is a favorite Halloween hangout for budding ghosts and goblins who love all the fun-filled activities there.

More than 50 fanciful witches now adorn the village's rooftops and walkways. Besides the whimsical witches, the place also features 30,000 pounds of pumpkins, hundreds of hay bales and countless cornstalks. The festive flats there also are decked out with delightful décor.

Marcia Johns, marketing director for the village, is proud of the autumn traditions there.

"Not only is Gardner Village a statewide destination, with people visiting from St. George, Ogden and Logan, but we have people travel from as far away as Idaho just to see the witches display," Johns said.

For many families, the village has become a tradition. They return each fall to see what additions have been made to the displays. If they don't come for the décor, they come for the deals at special events such as Witches Night Out, which takes place through Saturday.

The event features live music, "spooktacular" shopping, food and fortunetellers. If people come attired in winning witches wardrobe, they could claim a prize or two. Another experience is the Ride With A Witch event, in which a "friendly witch" guides visitors around the village and relates anecdotes. The jovial jaunts take place Monday, Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Paul Bearer and Delilah Harrington host the Bed or Dead mystery dinner theater at Gardner Village. With the help of the Onstage Players during the dinner play, diners gather clues, question the suspects and maybe even become a mystery-solving sleuth.

At the village's petting zoo, boys and "ghouls" can enjoy riding ponies and visiting the animals. Be sure to carry a camera to take some festive family photos.

"If you want a fun family event for the fall season. Gardner Village is a must see," John says.

* For more information about Halloween activities at Gardner Village, visit the Web at http://www.gardnervillage.com.