SIDNEY — Be prepared to be scared. A new blackout section and clown section have been added to the Sidney Haunted Woods.
This is the 20th year the haunted woods has been open. This year, it will only be open on Saturdays — Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28. The woods will be open at dark until about 11:30 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting.
According to owner and operator Scott Schoffner, approximately 50 people volunteer at the event, which raises money for local charities. Schoffner and his crew have raised approximately $12,000 in the 19 years they have been open. Some of the individuals, organizations and groups who have received donations include Relay for Life, Ronald McDonald House, Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Hug a Bear Foundation, Fair Haven and the former Human Society of Shelby County.
“We’re not just scaring people ot here, we are also giving back to the local community,” said Schoffner. “The biggest contribution is the fact that I get to reach out and talk to young people and preach to them about how to be good people. (to) be forthright, (to) tell the truth and not do drugs and just be better people. Faith is a big part of it.”
Those going through the haunted woods can gather by the bonfire before going back to the woods. The groups will be greeted by a guide, who will follow them through the trail of terror.
In the past, there used to be a guide in front and one in back of the groups. This year, Schoffner and his guides decided to only have one guide and to let the people find their way through the haunted woods.
General admission is $11 per person. Military discount is $8 per person. there are special prices for kids 12 and under and groups of 10 or more.
The haunted woods came into existance when Schoffner and his friend, Jody Daniels, Tony Robers and his mom, Shirley Schoffner, decided they wanted to run a haunted place.
“I knew I could use my military and psychology background to scare the patrons. We did this on a cook dark summer night back in 1997,” said Schoffner. And the rest is haunted history for the Shelby County community.
The haunted woods are located at 2232 W. Russell Road, look for the red flashing lights out by the road.
For more information call 937-658-6114 or visit their Facebook page: Facebook.com/SidneyHauntedWoods.
