Swaying blue lights illuminate the winding, wooded path you walk through, while actors hide in the brush, waiting to jump out from the darkness. The path leads you through a sawmill town cursed by a voodoo priestess. Chuckles the Clown, Mrs. Slaughter, the Butcher and the chainsaw-wielding Virgil roam through the woods waiting for passers-by to haunt.
The haunted trail at Eerie Acres Haunted Attraction offers guests a chance to become "better acquainted" with these characters. Guests can also find their way through a 9-acre corn maze or enjoy a hayride under starry skies. The event will run this Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is located in Chiefland, Fla.
Susan Watson, creator of the event, said this has been something she has always wanted to do. Watson used to put on scare trails for friends and family before she decided to turn it into a public event. She runs it with her husband, Phillip, and said this is Eerie Acres' second year running.
Chris Palmer plays a deranged hillbilly on the trail, looking for food for his cannibalistic mother. Palmer, information technology specialist at the College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida, said that people's true colors really come out on the trail.
"I had a lady throw her purse at me," Palmer said.
Addison Mertz, lab technician for the State of Florida, plays Slugger the Clown and is new to Eerie Acres this year. He said he has already made a 9-year-old cry.
Mertz also said he enjoys the leniency of his character because he gets to be creative.
"I give them the basics of a character or scenario and they run with it, developing the individuality of the character or scene, then bring it to life," Watson said.
On the website, there is a full-length story to accompany the theme of the haunted trail in the perspective of a writer who goes to investigate the mysteries of the town. You discover her fate at the end of the trail.
The half-mile trail takes about 20 minutes to complete. All guests are encouraged to wear closed toed shoes and children younger than the age of 13 are to be accompanied by an adult.
The maze, which is new to Eerie Acres this year, is cut in the shape of a grim reaper. There are maps, riddles and clues inside the maze to assist guests.
Curtis Perry, plumbing contractor and parent, said the event is a cheap and safe way to entertain the kids. This year, he brought along his daughter Darby, 13. She said she will not be walking the haunted trail this year but enjoys finding her way through the maze.
Gregg Watson, cousin to the family, drives the tractors for the hayrides and said each trip takes about 40 people. The hayride is three-quarters of a mile long and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Children younger than the age of 5 have free admission. For all others, the entrance to the hayride is $3, the maze $7 and the trail $15. Guests may also purchase an all-inclusive package for $20, which allows admission for all three events. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Cash is only accepted at the gate, although online ticketing is available.
An officer and medical assistant are always present on site to assist guests as well.
For directions or for more information, visit eerieacres.com.
Chuckles the Clown taunts unsuspecting travelers through the haunted trail at Eerie Acres.
