RINCON — Get ready to be scared. The Haunted Forest is set Oct. 26-27 at New Ebenezer 

The spooky spectacle, which will benefit the Treutlen House and New Ebenezer Retreat Center, is a hay ride that starts at the retreat center and meanders through woods on the property. The first ride will start 7:30 p.m. and the last will depart at 10:30 p.m.

Treutlen House Executive Director Kristen Wert said, “That gives people plenty of time to do what they want to do and still come out and enjoy it.” 

Wert said families should give some thought to including very young children the ride features frightening scenarios. She said it’s not suggested for young children to participate but it’s up each individual family. Ages 8 and up are recommended.

A family with younger and older children might want to split up, with some taking the trail rides and others staying at the center to watch movies, have their faces painted or take advantage of other fun things to do. The trail ride usually takes 20 minutes or longer.

About every 15 minutes, a new tractor is comes through, keeping waiting times short.

Visitors will climb on the hay wagon where there will be interaction with the scary participants. A building façade is under construction to add to the experience. 

Haunted Forest volunteers said to expect a visit from the “Grill-Master,” who will have some body parts cooking over a flame.

Wert said it’s a lot of fun for the volunteers to give their time to the event. 

She explained, “They’re giving two nights to raise money for us so it takes everybody — not just the people on the trail, but the people on concessions, driving the tractors. It takes a huge amount of the community to make it all happen.”

See the Oct. 17 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.