The Jesse James Players debuted their Hike of Horrors this past Friday and Saturday, and though the weather was cold and snowy, they still had a very decent turnout.
Opening night, Friday Oct. 23, had 230 people traveled the horror trail. Most were from the Sioux Falls area, but many were from neighboring states or even farther away. Marcia Gnadt reported that some came from as far away as Idaho and Washington State to attend. The second night, Saturday Sept. 24, was a little sparser because of the snowfall, but even so 176 people walked the trail. It was impressive to see people, spread out in small cluster groups of family and friends, waiting for their turns to walk the trail as the snow began to fall in earnest. Not everyone in attendance both nights wore masks, but most made the choice to do so.
The performers were keyed up, and excited to perform. Many people who attended were repeat customers from previous years and asked, what had changed for this year? With two mazes, and a completely new path blazed, the answer was, quite a lot.
After they walked the trail, our reporter asked these same people what they thought about this year’s trail and they responded that it was an even a better scare than last year.
Temperatures outside this weekend are expected to be in the mid-to high 40’s, so the trunk or treat event scheduled for Splitrock Park and the Hike of Horrors should be a bit warmer.
The performances will be held this weekend, October 30 and 31, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Price is $15 at the gate, which will be located at the Garretson Athletic Complex (by the football field).
On October 31, the Garretson Commercial Club is encouraging the community to get together at Split Rock Park for a Trunk or Treat. Decorate your car or a campsite before 4:00 p.m., and trunk-or-treating will occur from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Campsites will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, with RV sites going first. The event will be free to all. Those who have questions can contact Commercial Club President John Brinkman at First Bank and Trust.
Masks that cover the mouth and nose will be expected at the Trunk or Treat, though the Commercial Club is asking the community to be creative.
“Everybody please wear a mask,” said Commercial Club Vice President Garrick Moritz.
“Whatever costume you’re wearing, putting a mask on is not a difficult decision. Most costumes will already have masks, so putting a PPE mask underneath isn’t a hassle. For example, if you were dressing as a cowboy, a bandit mask makes for a great face covering.”
This request extends to trick-or-treating, as well. The CDC has listed trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treats as high-risk activities, especially if mitigation measures such as masks and social distancing are not taken.
Creative ideas such as “candy pipelines” and “candy graveyards” have been suggested by those who want to ensure a six-foot distance or more is maintained.
Porch lights in Garretson often come on by 6:00 p.m. and turn off by 8:00 p.m. on Halloween.
