The Southern Plains Co-op’s Trail of Terror has become a popular event in the community for families looking to enjoy a Halloween activity, and to get spooked a few times during the evening.
The third annual event was held Saturday night at the Preddy Trails inside Woodlawn Regional Park. People met up at Rotary Hall inside the park and then embarked on a journey that had plenty of creepers, props and other scary sights.
Carol McKay, who is the human resources manager for the co-op, said they attracted about 500 people this year. It was down a little from last year, but she was still pleased with the numbers because of the cold and windy weather.
“We had lots of little ghosts and goblins show up. There were lots of screams and lots of scares,” McKay said.
Many of the attractions remained the same from previous years. There was an area for small kids just before the bridge. Hot dogs and refreshments were served. Co-op representatives dressed up as the creepers, and props were set up along the trail.
Everything during the night was free.
Among the new props for this year was Crouchy, an 11-foot clown with a psychotic look. Jack Straw popped out at those walking along the trail.
“We were a little concerned with the wind in the area, but the trees kept everything pretty covered, so overall the event went very well,” said McKay.
They even managed to scare a few of the adults during the evening.
Also new for this year was a pumpkin patch that was set up inside the park. Previous years featured a pumpkin trail.
“The people really enjoyed that,” said McKay. “I was really quite surprised. There were lots of people over there, taking pictures and things. We did have, in the trail, lots of props, and we added props to it this year. Every year it just gets better and better.”
A goop and goblin corner allowed people to touch and feel eyes, bones, brains and guts. It drew a lot of laughter from the public, McKay said.
“We had lots of comments that it was good, and that it’s great the co-op puts it on. It’s a good family event,” said McKay.
Approximately 85 per cent of the people who turned out were in costumes, which McKay was also pleased to see.
It takes a lot of work to get the Trail of Terror up and running, she said, but it’s worth it when they get all of the people out on the trails.
