State Park offers visitors a good scare
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Those visiting Aroostook State Park Oct. 21 and 22 enjoyed a good scare, taking part in the annual Haunted Woods Walk sponsored by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.
“Aroostook State Park was filled with ghosts, goblins, zombies and other scary creatures. The Chamber and several other area organizations collaborated to host the fourth annual Haunted Woods Walk,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director of the Chamber.
Photos courtesy of Terry Sandusky
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| VAMPIRES and other ghouls awaited visitors at the Aroostook State Park during this year’s Haunted Woods Walk. Pictured perched in a tree is “Vampire” Bruce Burlock. | WEREWOLVES, ghosts, goblins and more made for a frightfully fun evening for those brave enough to attend Aroostook State Park’s Haunted Woods Walk, sponsored by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Waiting to frighten a visitor is “Werewolf” Patrick Scott. |
Approximately 1,100 people went through the gates over the two evenings.
“About 100 people were in the park haunting and working both evenings,” she said.
Friday evening Fowler said a steady flow of traffic filled the air with screams and squeals.
“On Saturday evening, an overflow crowd filled the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club parking lot and the State Park parking lot. Those who left the park had great comments about the sites that were haunted,” said Fowler.
Fowler said none of it would have been possible “without the groups that haunt specific sites.”
“This year’s participants included: Job Corps, Lowe’s, Walmart, Mapleton Boy Scouts, Legassie Family, Key Club, UMPI students on behalf of the Presque Isle Lions Club and Friends of Aroostook State Park helped with parking. Presque Isle Lions and Music Boosters offered refreshments. Theriault Equipment, Soderberg Construction, Buck Construction, Aroostook Trusses, Colton Associates, Haines Manufacturing, Jim’s Automotive, Percy’s Auto Sales, Maple Meadow Farms, Ace Rent-A-Car, NMCC, Patrick Patterson and Milt Smith contributed equipment needed for the event,” said Fowler.
“Chamber board members and family worked tirelessly both evenings to ensure things ran well. Thanks also go to Stacy Shaw for driving his tractor both evenings and Leslie Farley for operating Theriault’s tractor both evenings. Those acting as guides and filling other roles as necessary included: Bonnie Pack, Megan Fowler, Gail Clukey, Floyd Rockholt, Nola Farley, Rick Fowler, UMPI students, Caribou teens and Andrew Maybre,” continued Fowler.
As in past years, response was such that some people had to be turned away.
“Unfortunately, as in some past years, prospective visitors were turned away due to the crowd that filled the park waiting for their opportunity to be led through the dark, scary woods,” said Fowler.
Fowler wished to thank all who “participated, donated and attended this annual event.”
Plans are already being made for next year’s walk.
“We are looking for groups and individuals to participate next year,” said Fowler.
For more information or to make plans to take part in next year’s haunting, contact Fowler at 764-6561.
