As the cool winds of fall descend on Washington, there’s something spooky in the air. Halloween is little more than a week and a half away and the Washington Harbor District Alliance is getting in the spirit next weekend with “A Wicked Affair.”

When Hurricane Florence blew into town in late September, the WHDA’s annual Pickin’ on the Pamlico fundraiser was among the many events impacted by the storm. Instead of rescheduling the event, the WHDA decided to try something a little bit different.

“The hurricane kind of messed us up, so we decided we would change things up and have an event inside so we don’t have to worry about the bad weather happening again,” WHDA Director Meg Howdy said. “We’re excited to do something fun and different.”

From 6 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 27, the organization will host a frightfully fun affair at the Turnage Theatre. With dinner provided by Keyzer Catering, a cash bar on site and a spooky costume contest, the event promises a good time for all who attend.

“Costumes are optional, but we do have several categories for a costume contest,” Howdy said. “The prizes have been donated from local businesses in the Harbor District.”

Proceeds from the event will serve to help promote a number of projects in downtown Washington. Among these are efforts that partner with the City of Washington, including streetscape improvements and way finding signs.

“Our focus is on economic development downtown,” Howdy said. “This fundraiser is focused on allowing us to do events downtown, to assist our merchants in advertising and getting the word out about how great it is downtown.”

Beginning after supper, guests will also enjoy music from Breadwine and Blooze, an eastern North Carolina band with a repertoire ranging from top 40 to classic hits.

Tickets for “A Wicked Affair” are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.whda.org/wickedaffair, through the WHDA Facebook page or in person at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $40 per person or $50 with reserved seating. For more information, call the WHDA at 252-947-1487.