LISA HOBBS - News Editor
Get into the spooky spirit of Halloween with a trip to Cedar Grove’s Haunted Trail. Don’t be too courageous, or you might become part of the decorations.
“We’ve been getting ready and held auditions for new volunteers,” said Cedar Grove Fire Department Chief Chris Martin. “Our goal is to make each year bigger and better than the last. This year won’t be the exception. We have some exciting new attractions.”
Spooks will enter the woods this Friday and continue offering chills and thrills every Friday and Saturday throughout October, from dark until 11 p.m. This is the department’s only fundraiser. Cash only, no Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, debit or credit cards, etc., can be taken.
“Last year, we added a corn maze. It was an initial start just to see how it went. It worked out well. Rather than transporting people from the end of the trail to the pavilion, they walked through the corn maze. It added some length to the trail, also. This year’s is a little more elaborate. We’ve really tried to step it up. The corn maze is going to be, hopefully, just as good as the trail itself.”
A sneak peak on its Facebook page points to the possibility of a scarecrow lurking in the corn stalks. When asked if the corn maze will be haunted, Martin stated, “Sometimes. You’ll just never know until it’s too late.”
The attraction became a hot spot for Halloween enthusiasts when it launched in 2011 warning visitors to not stray from the designated path. If they do, you might become victims and used as props.
“That rule still applies. Stay on the trail. Each paid ticket gets one glow stick. You can purchase more for $1 each. Stay on the path and you’ll be fine. Venture off of it and we can’t guarantee anything. There are a lot of things in the woods during the month of October.”
Along with a corn maze, that may or may not be haunted, Martin says they will have a Vortex Tunnel, the Slaughter Shoot, the Doll House area, and The Barn, among others. When asked what’s in the barn, Martin stated, “I can’t tell you. It’s highly classified.”
While picture taking and the use of cell phone lights are discouraged on the trail, the department has partnered with a photographer who will be placed in different areas on various nights offering a professionally taken photo for $5. Again, cash only can be accepted.
“She’s a small business owner, and we try to promote small businesses. She’s just getting started. She’ll be taking pictures of people, groups or families, if they want to participate. It’s $5. She gets to keep that, but she is going to share the pictures with us.”
The haunted experience is offered at 1876 Bone Cave Mountain Road in Rock Island. There’s no getting lost. Signs are clearly posted at The Landing on Sparta Highway leading scare seekers to their destination. If you initially forget to bring cash, The Landing has an ATM machine.
The cost per person is $15. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. For additional information, check out Cedar Grove Fire Department’s Haunted Trail on Facebook or call 931-946-2441 or 931-808-6900.