The Jesse James Players’ Hike of Horrors is going forward despite all the difficulties of 2020.
“I was really torn this year,” said Marissa Wollmann of the Jesse James Players. “Last year we ended on a really high note and I sort of thought, maybe it’s time to end it on a high note. There were lots more difficulties this year, especially with insurance. Without a home base, a building that we can call our own, insurance cost was significantly more to make it happen. That’s aside from the pandemic we’re all sick of hearing about. But as Halloween got closer and closer, we decided we’d go for it. And the look on my nephew’s face as we started set-up these last two weekends has made it all worthwhile.”
Wollmann said she’s painfully conscious about the pandemic so the show has been redesigned with that in mind.
“We’ve completely changed the route people will take and moved to a longer, more spaced out hike, and instead of one maze, we’re building two. We’ve revamped and updated our previous maze and thanks to the generosity, time and effort of Don and Denise Schmidt who have provided several portable carports, and we’ re transforming them into a large outdoor maze. As the sets are taking shape they’re looking spectacular. We plan to take smaller groups out on the trail, and to space them widely apart. As for our actors, there will be fewer performers, as many of our older performers are staying home for their own safety. Again, no judgements here, we want them to be safe.”
Wollmann wants people who come to do the hike to exercise common sense. They should not come if they’re feeling sick. For their own safety they should wear masks and gloves, and Wollmann states that they’ll have both masks and gloves for anyone who forgets and have hand sanitization available as well. Normally the Jesse James players also serve food, but instead of putting volunteers up to the job, the Jesse James Players decided that this year it would be safer and more efficient to bring in a food truck to do the job, specifically the Redders Food truck.
“If you haven’t tried them, they really do a great job,” she said. “His food is great and he can serve food both efficiently and safely to anyone who comes to the hike. Our performances will start at 7:30, but he’ll be at the football field, set up and ready to serve by 6 p.m.”
Wollmann said the Jesse James Players have been working hard, and have a lot of surprises in store for hikers who want a scare, but she would not share any details with this newspaper, citing “no spoilers”.
Performances for the for the Hike of Horrors will be Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Price is $15 at the gate.
Article continues below
Enjoy this free article! The Gazette is proud to present the local news of Garretson, South Dakota, giving its subscribers news of interest, school coverage, and local/statewide government coverage. Your support of the Gazette and its advertisers ensures this coverage will continue into the future. Consider getting your subscription today! E-edition subscribers get access to their issues sooner than anyone else, both on this site and in your email inbox.
