By Greg Ellison

Staff Writer

(Oct. 3, 2019) Ghoulish groups interested in launching a shiver-inducing tradition in Ocean Pines are invited to adopt one of 13 spooky stops along the Haunted Walking Trail slated for Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26 at the White Horse Park boat ramp.

Speaking on Monday, Recreation and Parks Manager Debbie Donahue said the roster of participants for the bakers dozen of Halloween-themed spaces was fleshing out quickly.

“We still need some people to fill the spots on the trail,” she said. “We had quite a few interested today giving us a call or stopping by.”

The event, which runs from 6-9 p.m. in the woods by the boat ramp, is open to organizations, individuals or families looking to impart the Halloween spirit.

“If you and a couple of your friends want to do it, that’s fine too,” she said. “You would supply all the decorations for your spot … we [can] supply the black tarp and the wood frame.”

At best a distant memory for a few, a spooky woodsy walk was held several decades ago in Ocean Pines, Donahue said.

“It was something that we wanted to see if we could bring back and do something a little bit different since there’s not trick-or-treating in Ocean Pines,” she said.

Donahue noted the annual Fall Festival is scheduled for Oct. 26 to help satisfy the traditional end-of-October sugar requirements.

“We would like to start something new for Ocean Pines if we can get it off the ground this year,” she said.

In addition to potential heart palpitations, the cost to stroll the Haunted Walking Trail is $10 and $8 for kids ages 12 and under. Every paid admission is eligible for a dollar discount by bringing a canned food donation for Diakonia.

For more information or to participate, contact the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052.

Although Haunted Walking Trail spooksters are encouraged to be creative, Donahue said the goal is to frighten, not send people into cardiac arrest.

“There are some that they get quite crazy with it,” she said. “I don’t have a whole lot of limitations, but you can’t have a chainsaw that actually has a chain on it … it’s only there for sound.”

Courtesy Ocean Pines Association
Recreation and Parks Manager Debbie Donahue said a few spots along the Haunted Walking Trail scheduled on the last two weekends in October at the White Horse Park boat ramp are still available.