Frightmare Forest returns with ghosts and ghouls
The day leading up to Frightmare Forest’s opening night is busy.
Volunteers and organizers comb through the maze of trees in the daylight to make sure everything is set up where it needs to go, to ensure each section has its accompanying eerie sounds and music, that there’s nothing to trip on and to re-hang any decorations blown down in the wind.
Frightmare Forest has become an iconic Halloween treat for Lassen County residents throughout the past few years. And this year, those wanting to experience the creepy walk can make the trek from 7 to 10 p.m. tonight, Friday, Oct. 23, Saturday, Oct. 24, Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Those with young kids, or anyone wanting to experience a scare-less walk, can show up at 6:30 p.m. either night, donation suggested. It is located at 472-120 Richmond Rd.
Local teacher and coach Dorinda Shaffer has been with the successful fundraiser since its conception.
Started in 2012 as a fundraiser for Lassen Community College sports teams, the annual spooky adventure now benefits local youth clubs and athletes, including Susanville Sticks.
“We’re just really grateful. We hope everyone comes out and has a great time,” said Shaffer.
To prepare for the ghoulish walk, or to wind down after, attendees can warm up by a fire, snap up some pictures at the photo sets, and hot drinks will be available for purchase.
Every year new sets and themes are added, and volunteers are gearing up their best jump-scares for those brave enough to enter the forest. From creepy singing children, zombies, aliens, an asylum gone wrong, and a few new thrills, Frightmare Forest goes all out.
Prior to opening night on Thursday evening, Shaffer and volunteers methodically checked each stereo, made note of were extra batteries were needed and snapped the heads back on a few straggling skeletons.
It takes about six days of work to prepare the trail of the Richmond Road forest, from raking the pathway to setting up props and running extension cords, but the fundraiser just keeps growing, and it’s benefiting local athletes and various clubs.
There will be social distancing encouraged during the event. Attendees are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling ill and to stay 6 feet away from others, but Shaffer is grateful the event can proceed.
This year is sure to entertain those daring enough to enter Frightmare Forest, and it’s for a good cause.
For any questions, text 260-3706.
And watch out for the ghost and goblins. As the promotional poster states: “2020. What else could go wrong.”