LINNEUS, Maine — Screams were plentiful in the woods behind the Linneus Fire Department Friday and Saturday night as the 18th annual Linneus Haunted Hayride entertained a large number of patrons.
On Friday, Oct. 18, organizers tried something a little bit different. Instead of running wagons, guests were able to walk the wooded course.
Colton Folsom is a creepy scarecrow for this year’s Linneus Haunted Hayride event. The ride, sponsored by the Linneus Recreation Department, continues this Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
Carrie Palmer, one of the event organizers, has helped put the show on for most of its 18 years. She originally got involved as she had young children who enjoyed performing in the event.
“We are thinking about cutting a new trail for next year to move some things around and shake things up,” Palmer said.
The hayride is the major fund-raising event for the Linneus Recreation Department. Taking roughly 17 minutes to complete, the ride is nearly a mile in length, covering a field of almost six acres, and features many different horror scenes. Zombies and clowns are the most popular characters for the youths who serve as actors on the hayride.
Creepy clowns are among the many freaky things to see on this year’s Linneus Haunted Hayride. Getting into character are, from left, Lucas Matheson, Cameryn Matheson, TJ Fitzpatrick and Gabriel Merritt.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
Josh Murchie, the town’s recreation director, said he has been involved with the hayride since he was a teenager.
“I started in middle school,” he said. “My mother’s birthday is Halloween and I have always loved the month of October. I love every second of this.”
The event typically draws between 500 and 700 people per night and between 2,500 and 3,500 annually as folks from all over Aroostook County and beyond make the trip. Students from Hodgdon, Houlton and East Grand are all involved in this year’s production.
Spooky sights lurk around every corner at the Linneus Haunted Hayride. Sponsored by the Linneus Recreation Department, the ride continues Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
Cassidy Jackman painted the bulk of characters found along the trail, including those found on the side of the “Cocoon” attraction. The cocoon is a large building where the wagon comes to a stop near the end of the ride. Inside is usually a collection of chainsaw wielding psychopaths and strobe light effects.
Portions of the proceeds go to the Linneus Recreation Department, while other funds go to student classes whose members volunteer each year. Students also can earn community service time, which is required for graduation and can earn money for their respective classes.
A collection of creepy dolls make up one scene of scariness at the Linneus Haunted Hayride this year.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
Additional performances will take place Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26. Tickets for each evening are $7 and go on sale starting at 6 p.m. with three tractors rolling every 10 minutes. The show closes each evening at 9 p.m.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/linneus.maine.
Members of the Hodgdon senior class were well-represented at this year’s Linneus Haunted Hayride as the group anchored the popular cemetery scene.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
