Every year, the Harrington Fire Company puts together something so skin-crawlingly freaktacular that people scream before even entering the gates.
That’s something company members see as a sure sign of success. The Haunted Forest at Lister Acres gets nearly 4,000 visitors each autumn, just in time for Halloween.
1 What to expect
This year the theme is classic horror movies, so visitors might rub elbows with the Frankenstein monster or Dracula. Co-chairman Doug Poore said the mummy and the zombie scenes are most likely to scare. The event starts with a 15-minute hayride back to the site, an approximately 25-minute walk through the forest, and then a return hayride. The haunted forest is designed with older kids and adults in mind. Considering Jack the Ripper is going to be there, young kids probably shouldn’t be. “Come on, folks, it’s a haunted attraction. It’s designed to scare people,” Poore said.
2 What’s new
All the scenes are new, including the Vortex, a 20-foot, spinning tunnel lit with blacklights. The hayrides may or may not be haunted this year, too. Time will tell.
3 Do the creatures doing the haunting pick on certain visitors?
Of course.
“They look for the ones who are already screaming before they enter the place,” Poore said.
4 Haunting for a cause
The fire company is partnering with the Harrington Parks & Recreation Department this year to raise money for both organizations. They’re also helping out the Lake Forest Church Association Food Pantry. Any visitor who brings two can goods on Saturday, Oct. 24, will get $1 off admission.
5 In case of rain
Haunting usually doesn’t stop for rain, unless it’s very heavy. In case of inclement weather, call the information number at 398-7975, ext. 102.
Milford, Del. —
