Despite its unclear future, TownMall is Westminster's Halloween hub

TownMall of Westminster is packed with Halloween this October. Under one roof, visitors can walk through four haunted attractions, play horror games in virtual reality, catch a scary movie, shop for costumes in two stores, go trick or treating on October 31 and sew a Halloween project.

It all comes at an uncertain time for the mall. Last month, the company that owns TownMall, Westminster Mall LLC, sent tenants a letter asking them to confirm the details of their leases "in connection with this sale." The letter did not say who is buying the mall or when a sale might close. Some mall tenants have said, including one in Facebook comments on Westminster Wire posts, that they did not receive the letter.

The Woodmont Company, which manages TownMall for the owner, did not respond to questions Westminster Wire emailed on Oct. 2 asking whether a sale is pending, who the buyer is and what tenants and shoppers should expect.

TownMall of Westminster, at 400 N. Center St. near the intersection of Routes 140 and 27, opened in 1987 as Cranberry Mall.

Here's what's happening there this month.

Hera's Nightmare Haunted Attraction

Hera's Nightmare, an indoor haunted attraction inside the mall, has four attractions this year, according to its website:

There's also a midway with photo spots, a horror shop selling oddities and collectibles, and a new VIP lounge. Hera's Nightmare also runs a year-round spooky gift and consignment shop in the mall, according to the mall's directory.

Remaining dates are Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31 from 7 to 10 p.m., and Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets come in three tiers: general admission covers the three haunted houses, a combo adds the Horror Vault, and VIP adds fast-pass entry, photo ops and the lounge. Parking is between Belk Outlet and Boscov's. Details: herasnightmare.com.

Horror-themed VR at Another World

Another World Virtual Reality, which offers games played with headsets and vests, has teamed up with Hera's Nightmare this season. A sign at the mall invites haunt-goers to try VR before or after their walk-through, with special pricing for people holding Hera's Nightmare tickets. The sign lists two horror experiences: "Hospital of Horrors" at $15 per person and a zombie experience at $30 per person.

For food, Another World VR’s cafe is open on weekends and for special events. In the mall food court, Vinny’s Pizzeria has reopened, with pizza, subs, etc. and Indian food. An employee told Westminster Wire they’ll be open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. everyday except Sunday, when they will close at 6 p.m.

Scary movies at R/C Theatres

The mall's nine-screen theater, R/C Theatres Westminster Movies 9, has all recliner, reserved seating. As of Oct. 8, its lineup included two new horror films. "Other Mommy" (R) is directed by Rob Savage and stars Jessica Chastain. "Resident Evil" (R) is directed by Zach Cregger. For something less scary, "Practical Magic 2" (PG-13) reunites Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as witch sisters.

For anyone who likes surprises, the theater will hold a "Mystery Movie Horror Edition" on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5, and moviegoers won't learn which film they're seeing until the lights go down. It's rated R.

For R-rated films, R/C requires guests under 17 to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older for the whole movie. Showtimes: rctheatres.com.

Costumes at Spirit Halloween and Rita's Closet

Spirit Halloween, the seasonal costume and decorations chain, is open in the mall for the season. Shoppers headed there have been wandering into other stores, too, Sew 'N Sweep owner Johannah Doll told the Wire.

For a one-of-a-kind costume, Rita's Closet has brought back its Halloween rack, with items for making costumes, including old wedding dresses for anyone who wants to be a zombie bride. Everything on the rack is $10 or less, and there are plenty of children's options, the store said in a Sept. 24 post. Through October, the store is also taking 25% off orange, brown and gold dresses, excluding clearance items.

Rita's Closet is open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

A sold-out makers night at Sew 'N Sweep

All 30 spots are taken for Sew 'N Sweep's free "Stitch or Treat – A Haunted Makers Night" on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. The sewing machine and vacuum shop says it's the largest event it has held, and Doll estimated about 90% of those signed up have never been customers. The store isn't taking walk-ins. Read the full story.

The season has brought more people through the mall, especially in the evenings and on weekends, Sew 'N Sweep's Liz Morin told Westminster Wire.

Trick-or-treating on Halloween

The mall itself is hosting mall-wide trick-or-treating on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, according to a Sept. 7 post on TownMall's Facebook page. Starting at 1 p.m., children can stop by Center Court for a free trick-or-treat drawstring bag while supplies last; the flyer says the event runs "until the candy runs out."

What's next for the mall

The letter to tenants asked them to sign and return "estoppel certificates" within 30 days. An estoppel certificate is a short document in which a tenant confirms the basic terms of its lease, such as the rent and how long the lease runs. Buyers and lenders typically collect them before a property changes hands.

State business records list Westminster Mall LLC's office at 1340 Smith Ave. in Baltimore, the address of real estate firm Himmelrich Associates. The letter asks tenants to return their certificates to the owner in care of Himmelrich Associates at that address.

Westminster Wire will keep reporting on the mall's future.