FAQ

 What is the fall festival & haunted trail? 

The Harvest Festival is an annual celebration at the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve that began over twenty years ago. Harvest Festival events take place around the kiosk area at the entrance to the nature preserve and include a bonfire and musical guests.

 

In 2016, The Haunted Trail came together with the Harvest Festival. The Haunted Trail is primarily organized by the Medlock Area Neighborhood Association (with the help of many volunteers!). Parts of the Preserve's trails will become haunted on this day, and are only open to ticket holders between 5-8pm.

 

This community building event serves as a fundraiser for both organizations.

 

Where do I park? 

Please follow the traffic guides at Harrington and Wood Trail. Wood Trail will be closed to parking from Harrington to the Preserve (Pine Bluff). There will be a police officer; volunteers will be helping with traffic. If you are able, walk, bike or Uber in to help with traffic and safety.

FOLLOW THE LOOP:

Parking is available along the lower part of Harrington Drive and Schoel Drive.

Follow Harrington to Schoel - which will be one-way from Harrington to the preserve (Pine Bluff) - forming a loop back onto lower Harrington from Pine Bluff.

Harrington will continue as a one way back to the intersection at Schoel. Sound confusing? Just follow the guides and have patience.

Parking will also be available on Wood Trail from Harrington toward the school - a short walk to the Preserve.

And please lock your cars and don’t leave valuables unattended.

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Is there a drop off area?

Yes, you can drop off near the entrance by following the Harrington/Schoel loop.

 

Is the Haunted Trail too scary for younger kids?

We will have an area at the front of the trail that is suitable for all ages and sensitivity levels.

The actors along the scarier parts of the trail make every attempt to read their audience and tone it down when warranted.

Children should be accompanied by an adult – and that includes the Haunted Trail.

The sun will set around 7pm. Some of the amenities may be a little too spooky for the tiniest tots, so we ask that the little ones experience the haunted trail before sundown.

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When will the Haunted Trail be open?

We will allow 30 minutes for each group of visitors to enter the trail, staggered within the time slots in groups of 20-25, between 5pm and 8pm. A fresh group of guests will enter at the time specified on their tickets.

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Why are there time limits to the trail?

We want to allow all to have enough time to enjoy the amenities without crowding.

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Will there be food available?

Yes.  We will have updates soon on who will be selling food.

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Will there be a bonfire? 

Yes, there will be a bonfire, right in front of the state with our musical guest Uncle Stormy!

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Are dogs welcome?

It will be busy and possibly loud at times in the Harvest Festival and Haunted Trail. Since these situations can be scary and stressful for dogs, please leave your pets home.

 

Dogs (even on leash) will not be allowed on the Haunted Trail.

 

Can you bring a stroller on the trail?

No. While some areas have board walks, most areas are not navigable with a stroller. Folks can leave strollers by the entrance.

 

What happens if it rains? 

We can’t control the rain! If light rain is predicted, we will move forward with the event as planned.

If heavy rain or inclement weather is predicted, we will cancel the event. As in the past, if the weather is predicted to clear for the following day (Sunday, Oct 27th) we will make every attempt to reschedule for that date.

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Are tickets refundable? 

No. The sponsors (MANA and CSNP) are both volunteer-run organizations and we don't have the peoplepower to process refunds. Please consider your tickets a donation to these organizations. We appreciate your support.

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Need more info? email us at medlockparkhauntedtrail@gmail.com

Angela Eschbach, Jesse Breidinger, Carolyn Gorman,  & Emily Pingel