Fairview Haunted Forest Walk | Clear Hills County
For people new to Northern Alberta, it only takes one October to notice the region has its fair share of Halloween fanatics. With so many events and hauntings happening throughout the region every fall, it’s not hard to find “tricks and treats” to scare and delight.
The dark and spooky Haunted Forest Walk north of Fairview promises a good fright—for those who dare to partake.
According to longtime friends Laureen Kosheiff and Jo Anne Fleming, a good night in October is measured by the number of shrieks they hear from guests working their way through the Haunted Forest Walk.
This duo have created the attraction with the help of volunteers. Now in its sixth year of operation, it has taken on a life of its own.
“We had about 35 people come the first year, and it’s doubled every year since.” said Kosheiff. “Last year nearly 900 people came out during the weeks we ran it. Some came from as far away as Falher.”
Not only are the crowds growing, the attraction itself seems to have a mind of its own. It started with the modest pile of decorations Kosheiff had accumulated over her years as a mother and grandmother.
These days, decorations are showing up like apparitions as donations from other people’s stockpiles have begun appearing.
As the pool of volunteers grows, so does their capacity to create advanced and unique displays.
“I started this because my grandkids had grown out of trick or treating, and I was putting up the decorations with no one coming out to enjoy them,” said Kosheiff. “I thought offering a haunted forest would be a great way to get people out enjoying what I had, and it has grown way beyond that now.”
Making the Fairview Haunted Forest Walk a success every year now takes a horde, and the hunger for volunteers can become insatiable.
The Haunted Forest Walk now requires a minimum of 12 people every night just to keep “it” alive—otherwise volunteers can become overwhelmed, wearing way too many hats at once.
“We really appreciate our volunteers, and everyone has a lot of fun,” said Fleming. “In early November we have a big wrap up dinner for them to thank them because we know we couldn’t do this without their effort and enthusiasm.”
The magic continues to bubble well beyond October. Preparing for a successful haunted season is a year-round operation. Each month volunteers gather with Kosheiff and Fleming to brainstorm and build toward the Halloween ahead.
“We’re always getting together having a hoot and a holler, and learning new things from each other such as makeup techniques, often from Kerri-Lynne Hall—one of our talented younger volunteers,” said Kosheiff.
The many hours spent outside in October can be a drain. Kosheiff and Fleming agree the weather is the biggest obstacle to ensuring volunteers and patrons enjoy themselves. Thus, a toasty bonfire and delightful hot chocolate awaits those at the end of the path. Other plans have been made for the volunteers’ icy toes.
“With our growing success, this year we invested some of the proceeds into keeping our volunteers warm,” said Fleming. “We purchased a large shed, which will serve as a warmup station for them, and it will also double as a storage place for our many displays during the off season.”
Although the Haunted Forest Walk is aimed at a more mature audience, organizers have not forgotten the younger ones and the folks who are easily frightened. This is why the forest opens before dark, and no volunteer scare actors are summoned to the trail until the sun is deep in the horizon.
“The music will be going, and the animatronics are on, but there will be no one jumping out and scaring you during the daylight. This helps most people feel comfortable bringing their younger children out before the sun sets,” said Kosheiff.
The Haunted Forest Walk is scheduled to open Fridays 7-10pm, Saturdays 5-10pm and Sundays 5-9pm throughout October.
For the first time, pre-booking for Halloween night for groups of 10 or more is available. The cost to attend is $10 per person.
Contact Fairview Haunted Forest on their Facebook page with questions or to pre-book.
Words by Kelly Pippin | Photography Submitted
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