By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
LINNEUS — It’s back. After taking a year’s interruption, the Linneus Haunted Hayride will be in full swing this October.
The Linneus Recreation committee and the town of Linneus have cooperatively purchased a 40-acre spruce plantation behind the recreation department/fire department on the Bangor Road for a permanent location for the ever-popular hayride, which provides for youth activities in the area.
“We are glad to announce the Linneus Haunted Hayride is back in action,” said Mike Lane, director of the Linneus Recreation committee. “We are going to be bigger and better with our new location.”
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
AT THE BEGINNING — Several youth along with some members of the Linneus Recreation committee stand at the beginning of the roadway to the new location of the Linneus Haunted Hayride. At the opening of the roadway are, from left, front, Mercedez Brown, Tristan Jackman, Fawn Brown, Brooklynn Brown,and Dylan Dangerfield; back, Kassy Jackman, Rob Brown, board member; Mike Lane, Linneus Recreation Department director; Janna White, Linneus Recreation Department secretary and Brenda Carmen, board member.
Lane is hoping that the relocation offers those attending better props, road system, as well as parking.
“We are hoping to serve patrons with our own building,” said Lane.
Since October can offer a full spectrum of weather, the recreation center will be open to those waiting to go on the ride or for those finishing the ride, with concessions to enjoy, which usually generates an impromptu social get-together.
The Linneus Recreation board is planning to do remodeling within the building “to facilitate the concessions sales before the event” said Lane.
The Haunted Hayride began with 12 scenes with 600-700 people coming to the event. Now, it draws about 3,400 people and has grown to 30-plus scenes.
“Participation comes from everywhere,” added Lane.
People come from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Woodstock to as far south as Portland/Lewiston and north to Caribou and Presque Isle.
With a break in the running last year, the Linneus Recreation Board is hoping for renewed support, as they carry out their 14th operating season.
“People were disappointed last year,” said Janna White, board member. “But, I think people will be excited to have it back, as well.”
Typically, it takes about 75 to 100 volunteers to operate the Haunted Hayride, with time also being given to the set up. This year, the Linneus Recreation Board proposes to hold the activity three consecutive weekends before Halloween.
“A huge amount of time goes into running this event,” said Rob Brown, board member.
Lane added, “It takes thousands of hours and this year, it will be that and more.”
The trails have already been cut through the 40- to 50-year-old spruce trees and the ride will be held within the enclosed tree line. The rec board is hoping to have 20 to 25 sites this year, as well as increasing the riding time of the hayride.
“We are hoping to get a lot of participation in the rebuild,” said Brown. “Anyone who is willing to come out and help build props or scenes is welcome. This is all community-based.”
White added, “We have involved other schools in the past — Hodgdon, Houlton, Southern Aroostook and East Grand — and given donations to those schools.”
Brown also noted that if any student is need of fulfilling their community service requirement, this would be considered a credit.
“We will log their hours and sign off,” he said.
Without the support of the Town of Linneus and local contractors, the Haunted Hayride may not have gotten back on track.
“Local residents have helped a lot,” explained Lane. “Palmer Construction is helping with the ground and field work for nominal fees. Houlton Water Company is planning on hooking up our power. Other citizens have and will help in the setup.”
The Linneus Recreation Board is made up of a group of local community members who are interested in fostering community spirit and involvement.
“We are totally volunteer-run and totally for the community,” said Lane. “We have been able to raise a lot of money over the years.”
Lane noted that the recreation committee is at 100 percent liberty to spend the funds for the kids.
“I have been on the ride once,” said White. “But, I like the fact of how much we can give back to the community. The better the ride does, the better the surrounding community does.”
The Haunted Hayride is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
“It is not a kid’s ride,” said Lane. “It has never been. Some children get pretty scared. It is geared toward teens and adults.”
For more information on the Haunted Hayride check out Facebook or log on to www.linneusrec.com. For those wishing to help with the build of props or to operate a site, call Lane at 538-6666 or Brown at 532-1184 (home)/538-1005 (cell).
