Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
If you can’t see in front of you, follow the screams.
It’s something to keep in mind this weekend as the dark pathways of two haunted buildings beckon at the 13th Haunted Palouse, which opens Friday for the first of four sessions.
On Shady Lane, the annual fundraiser’s other main attraction, the screams might follow you — on a ride which patrons sit in trailers pulled by utility vehicles along a darkened path above the river.
This year’s dirt lane, which has revealed hillbillies and zombies before, is rumored to hide clowns.
“I just know it’s going to be kind of freaky,” said longtime volunteer Scott Beeson.
The 13th edition of Haunted Palouse picks up after a record run last year raised $57,189 for the Palouse Community Center, Chamber of Commerce, Roy M. Chatters Printing Museum and other local causes.
The Main Street museum is one of the two haunted buildings, along with the old firehouse – which will be orchestrated again this year by the Palouse Skate Park Committee, with an assist from Palouse Area Robotics Team.
“We’re really excited. From what I’ve heard it’s great stuff,” said volunteer Janet Barstow. “Every year I think we’re going to run out of ideas, but once we sit down and talk, new ideas come.”
Inside the firehouse, an urban legends theme is taking shape.
Once people make it to the exits, food options will include hamburgers benefiting the Community Center, baked goods from the Xenodican Club, kettle corn from Garfield-Palouse Young Life and hot and cold drinks.
Each of Haunted Palouse’s four nights, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1, begins at 7 p.m. with the ticket booth closing at 10 p.m. The town will remain open until everyone has an opportunity to go through each attraction.
Admission is $15 with no one under 12 permitted. Credit cards are not accepted.
“It’s going to be awesome,” said Barstow. “We’re excited to put all this on for people.”
Those attending are reminded to dress warmly since the lines to wait in are outside.
The first four-night run of the event, in 2001, brought in $3,050 from ticket sales.
After 12 years, the town has raised $369,552.37 from their annual two weekends in October. The total counts only ticket sales, not additional revenue made from food and drink receipts.
For more information call (509) 595-1129 or see Frequently Asked Questions at http://www.VisitPalouse.com.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)