Into the woods
SPCA’s haunted trail guaranteed to have some twists
The Pictou branch of the SPCA is ready to take in some scaredy-cats.
For the second year, the local animal shelter is hosting a haunted trail, which will take groups of fear fans into the woods for a good fright this weekend.
“We couldn’t do it without our volunteers and this community – from businesses that support it to the volunteers that step up and come,” said branch manager Agnes Leavitt, noting that the event is a “big production” and requires 50 to 70 volunteers from the set-up to actors playing the spooky roles.
It takes approximately 20 minutes to go through the trail, which Leavitt classified as a medium-level of scare, with guides walking groups through to ensure safety in the dark woods. Organizers are recommending anyone under the age of 13 should be accompanied by an adult “because there (are) scenes that could be really scary,” Leavitt said, adding that “each parent knows what their child can and can’t handle.”
Leavitt said they had a good turnout last year, making more than $700 for the shelter.
She said it’s a fundraiser that uses very little resources from the shelter’s funds to organize, with many donated materials, allowing everything to go back into operations and take the pressure off as they don’t need to worry about making a certain amount.
Though it’s a “fun fundraiser,” the money raised is needed.
“The funds here are very low right now. We’re hoping they’ll pick up getting closer to Christmas time,” Leavitt said. “We understand that people’s money is limited and there are so many valuable charities out there… Pictou County is a small community, but they’re a giving community so they’ve been keeping us open for a long time and I have no doubt they will continue to do so.”
The trail is open from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 3504 Granton Rd. Admission is $5.
COVER PHOTO BY AMANDA JESS
The Pictou SPCA is hosting a haunted trail this weekend for the second year as a fundraiser for the animal shelter. Pictured is Agnes Leavitt, branch manager, at the entrance of the trail.