Halloween Haunted Woods Trail Provides Chills and Thrill for Kids of All Ages

It's time to prep the costumes and ready the bags for the children and their parents who will be attending the 29th Annual Halloween Haunted Woods Trail this Saturday. 

The event begins at 6 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m., and the start point of the trail is at the park-and-ride lot across South Robert Trail/Highway 3 from the and .

"We usually have anywhere from 1,000-3,000 children come through the trail," said Barb Hester, co-chair of the Haunted Woods Trail.

According to Mike Bouchard, the Halloween Haunted Woods Trail president, they will be accepting non-perishable food items that will be donated to 360 Communities food shelves; monetary donations are appreciated as well.

"Last year, we raised 4,000 pounds of food ... we filled the back of a city truck," Hester said.

Orginally, the haunted woods trail started behind and went through Carroll's Woods. The Halloween party was in the high school gym and then moved over to the community center. Eventually, the perfect spot became .

The Rosemount Halloween Committee came together to help the city build community ties. Currently, it consists of 18-20 members and Bouchard, who has been taking the lead since 2002 to make sure it's a special event.

"We like to keep it fresh for the public every year so each year visitors get a unique experience," he said.

Not to worry, the favorites will remain. There will be over 50 blow-ups, a giant pumpkin, an elaborate pirate scene and a spooky cemetery. Another special part of the trail couldn't happen without the local businesses and community groups who donate their time and treats. Since its re-organization, Fluegel's, The Elks Club, First State Bank, , Rosemount Lions Club, seniors and, of course, the Rosemount Halloween Committee have been coming to celebrate the holiday with the public.

Another favorite event that ties into the haunted woods trail is the 300 pumpkins they carve the morning of the event to line the trail. The carving takes place at 8 a.m. Saturday at ; anyone can help volunteer.

"With the help of multiple volunteers we can get it done in two hours," Bouchard said.

Cleanup takes place after the trail has ended, beginning at about 8:30 p.m. and goes until 11:30 p.m.

"It's a long day, but we do what we gotta do," Bouchard said.

Volunteers are needed to help with the set-up and cleanup of the trail. For those interested, call Mike Bouchard at 651-423-4603 or e-mail rosemounthalloween@charter.net to sign-up.