Cast members greet guests by dancing to “Thriller” every half hour at the start of Haunted Trail at Ford Field in Dearborn.
Jack-o’-lanterns and scarecrows greet guests who travel along the Haunted Trail at Ford Field in Dearborn.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – The Recreation Department’s third annual Haunted Trail, inspired by cinematic scariness, is set to provide a spooky adventure starting at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 to 20 at Ford Field.
Director Rashid Baydoun said 32 teen cast members provide the theatrical component, representing characters from different movies, and coming together for an opening “Thriller” number every half hour near the start of the walk, the brainchild of Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Facility Manager Martin Zbosnik.
“Of course, Halloween being a celebration of horror films and thrillers, what better way to do it than to bring “Thriller?” Baydoun said.
He said the iconic characters depicted along the trail include Beetlejuice, Herman Munster and Lily Munster.
“I think Halloween brings that nostalgic experience for people and individuals and I think just seeing those types of characters come together and dance things like the ultra-zombie dance-off ‘Thriller’ was really a perfect way,” Baydoun said. “We thought maybe we’d add a little plot twist of some sort, and we figured what better way to do it than add music?”
He said “Thriller” is part of the Halloween theme track.
“I think it’s just going to be a great, great effect,” Baydoun said.
Zbosnik said the Haunted Trail features vignettes from classic horror movies like “Friday the 13th” with Jason, the Michael Myers “Halloween” movies, The Munsters, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, the Predator, the Alien Xenomorph Queen, and the Wicked Witch.
“We are targeted for kids, so it’s more of an amusing attraction, not super scary,” he said. “And then it’s funny – we have Beetlejuice telling jokes, and then we have funny pirates at the very end – we want you to leave here laughing.”
Zbosnik said the event is suited for the whole family, and there are special effects and visual treats along the walk.
“There are a lot of surprises all the way through,” he said. “Everyone’s pretty excited about it, and we moved it up a week because we didn’t want to compete with all the trunk-or-treats, and we were trying to catch the last little bit of summer weather, because it makes a big difference when we can stand out here and not be freezing,” Zbosnik said.
Tickets are $10, with children under 5 admitted free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The route is not wheelchair or carriage friendly.
Call 313-943-2350 for more information, or go to dearborntheater.com/events/10005027-haunted-trail-2024.
Jack-o’-lanterns and scarecrows greet guests who travel along the Haunted Trail at Ford Field in Dearborn.