Tag Archives: Forest of Fear

The ‘haunted’ Weekend Edition: Things to do Oct. 27 – 30

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With Halloween around the corner, we offer up a few haunted attractions to get you in the mood. So read on…if you dare.

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Forest of Fear

Celebrating 15 years of haunting is the South Kent Jaycees’ Forest of Fear. Located in Caledonia at 8758 Paterson Ave. SE, just south of 84th Street, the outdoor attraction features a one-third mile path haunted by the undead, people you don’t want to meet in the dark and all sorts of other ghastly creatures. The attraction is open Friday and Saturday starting at dusk with the last ticket sold at 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 person with a a $5 per person Fast Pass available. For more information, visit, forstoffear.com.

 

Moonlight Manor

Moonlight Manor, 5420 Fieldstone Drive SW, Wyoming. Dusk until 10 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Oct. 30 and 31. $5 cash donation. Ages 10 and over

 

thehaunt

The Haunt

The Haunt is hosting its Sweet 16 and you are invited. Located at 2070 Waldorf NW, The Haunt is a 20,000-square-foot compound of fear…we mean fun…yeah, fun. Stumble through “Abandoned,” an outdoor attraction in which your only guide is the moonlight or holler your way through a half mile of heart-pounding haunted hallways. The Haunt states “chances are you’ll find your way out. But you won’t be the same.” The Haunt is open at dusk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and will be open Oct. 31. Tickets are $21 with a speed ticket available for $31. For more information, visit the-haunt.com.

 

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New Salem Corn Maze

It’s all sweet and innocent during the day at the New Salem Corn Maze, but the witches and zombies come out when it turns dark. Located at 4516 24th St., Dorr, the New Salem Corn Maze offers three different activities, the Witch’s Woods, the Haunted Corn Maze, and the Zombie Attrack, where the tables are turned and you get to hunt the Zombies. Haunted attractions are open Friday and Saturday from dusk until 11 p.m. and Oct. 31 from dusk until 10 p.m. Tickets are usually $20 per activity with special pricing for the more you do, such as $30 for two activities, $40 for three, and $50 for four. (Note the Witch’s Woods has two trails.) Daytime activities are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with ticket pricing being $7/per person and free/three and under. For more information, visit witchesofnewsalem.com.

 

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Make your escape

Not a fan of creeping through dark woods to get the whatever scared out of you? Well for a different twist on thrill, how about using your wits to race against the clock to discover hidden clues and unlock challenges and secret compartments to get out of a locked room. You can head to the Great Escape Room Grand Rapids, located inside The Masonic Temple, 233 E. Fulton St. Prices vary with discounts for groups of 10 or more. Visit thegreatescaperoom.com.

Local Jaycees changes name to South Kent, expand area

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The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly rebranded South Kent Jaycees.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly rebranded South Kent Jaycees.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Even though its charter said South Kent, the name Kentwood Jaycees just seemed to fit better when the group original formed in 1966. It certainly described the area that this particular chapter of the United States Junior Chamber covered.

 

But with recent changes, including absorbing the former Wyoming Jaycees chapter, the name did not seem to fit anymore. So in 2015, the former Kentwood Jaycees chapter rebranded itself as the South Kent Jaycees.

 

The South Kent Jaycees recently participated in a wish list drive for the Grand Rapids' Ronald McDonald House.
The South Kent Jaycees recently participated in a wish list drive for the Grand Rapids’ Ronald McDonald House.

“It really broadens our horizon not only for the membership but for the communities we are able to help,” said Jen Groom, secretary of the South Kent Jaycees. “By staying Kentwood, we could only help Kentwood.”

 

A requirement of being part of the Jaycees organization is that you live within the state and are from the area the local chapter represents. Looking at its membership, South Kent Jaycees leaders discovered that many lived or worked outside of the Kentwood area. The name changed also allowed the organization to expand its reach into adjoining communities which include Grandville, Jenison, Byron Center, and Caledonia along with Kentwood and Wyoming.

 

With that South Kent Jaycees leadership was able to find a larger base of service and leadership opportunities. Most recently, the South Kent Jaycees worked with the Ronald McDonald House with a holiday wish list drive. South Kent Jaycees also have teamed up with the Grand Rapids Jaycees in an effort to bring the Kids Kicking Cancer program to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Kids Kicking Cancer, which just expanded to help all children who are in pain, focuses on martial arts therapy.

 

“It is a really great outlet for the kids while they are in the hospital,” Groom said.

 

And should anyone fret over the Forest of Fear disappearing, Groom and the other board members confirmed plans are in the works for this year’s haunted attraction and that the popular Breakfast for Santa event also will continue.

 

The South Kent Jaycees plan to host the Breakfast with Santa event again this year.
The South Kent Jaycees plan to host the Breakfast with Santa event again this year.

Gone is the Kentwood Jaycees Club House, which before being the club house was a Pizza Hut located at 1640 44th St. SE. According to the group’s website, it was sold so the organization could focus more local trainings, community benefit programs and local partnerships.

 

“I joined the Jaycees to give back to my community, but what I get from it so much more than that,” said Marybeth Schafer, who is the secretary of the Grand Rapids Jaycees and is part of the Grand Rapids and South Kent Jaycees collaboration efforts. “It helps me grow personally and professional and I have made some really close friends.

 

“You also not only meet people in your area, but across the state and the nation.”

 

The Jaycees organization was established on January 21, 1920 to provide opportunities, at that time, for young men to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others. The organization included women in 1984 after the U.S. Supreme court ruled that Minnesota could prevent sex discrimination in private organizations. 1985 marked the end of the US Jaycee Women organization. Today, there are numerous Jaycees chapters around the globe. There are about 33 chapters in Michigan with five being in the West Michigan area, Allegan, Greater Muskegon, Lakeview (covering the Montcalm area), Grand Rapids and South Kent.

 

This year, according to Julia Klein, who is a District 2 Michigan Chairman of the Board and treasurer for the South Kent Jaycees, the Michigan Jaycees chapters will host the National Jaycee Conference which is set for Sept. 22 – 25 in Detroit.

 

But you do not have to wait until September, or head to Detroit, to learn more or join the Jaycees, said Scott Avery, South Kent Jaycees vice president. The organization has monthly membership meetings where potential members can learn more about events and meet other members. Meetings are rotated through the South Kent Jaycees coverage area. On April 20 at 6:30 p.m., the group will meet at Bigby’s in Wyoming. May 23 at 6:30 p.m., they will be at the Byron Family Restaurant, 2527 84th St. SW, Byron Center. On June 18, they will be meeting at 10 a.m. at EB Coffee and Pub, 8980 Rodgers Court SE, Caledonia.

 

More information can be found at the South Kent Jaycees’ website or the group’s Facebook page.

 

 

Haunted West Michigan

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Forest of FearWatching a scary movie is one thing, but the real horror begins when you live it. To safely help you live the scary movie experience, the haunted houses of West Michigan have you covered! Enjoy terrifying scares as you cautiously check around every corner, making sure that there isn’t somebody – or something – following you.

Central

The Haunt

The Haunt has been generating screams for 15 years and they’re excited for another year! Their 20,000 square foot land is filled with all things scary! Expect even more Hollywood level sets, lighting, and special effects as you run from ghosts to clowns to everything in between. New features and side attractions help The Haunt continue to serve Michigan with their annual Halloween of scares!

Forest of Fear

The Forest of Fear is West Michigan’ premier outdoor haunted attraction which has been frightening and entertaining thrill-seekers of all ages for years! Located just south of Grand Rapids in Caledonia, the Forest of Fear is an interactive, self guided walk though tour through five chilling acres of haunted woods and swamps inhabited by ghosts, monsters, and other terrifying creatures. As you walk along the dimly lit and winding trails of the Forest of Fear you will face one spine-tingling jolt after another in an experience unlike any other haunted house!

South

Haunted Campus at Michigan Maritime Museum

The Haunted Campus event at the Michigan Maritime Museum takes place October 30 and October 31 from 8pm to 11pm. This event transforms the entire campus into a terrifying new locale and challenges visitors to navigate through the horror around them. This event is only for those ages 14 and up and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

If learning about ghostly spirits is more your speed, make sure to check out the Michigan’s Ghostly Beacons presentation at the Michigan Maritime Museum! Nearly two dozen lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted by their previous keepers. The stories of these lights will entertain all ages! Dianna Stampfler, who has contributed to a plethora of publications, will present with all the proceeds benefiting the Save the Light campaign.

The HauntHaunted Trail at Stokes Homestead Farm Market

Hop on a wagon at Stokes Homestead Farm Market and take a ride on the haunted trail highlighting the history of the “Shadow Hill Asylum.” The haunted forest and apple orchard are inhabited by the patients of Shadow Hollow so watch out! They may even climb onto the wagon and try to bring you back with them!

Haunted Forest and Temple Coldwater Country CVB

Take an adventure around the Haunted Forest at Rotary Park in Coldwater! Taking place October 26, 27, 29, and 30, kids will enjoy the less scary 6pm to 7pm activities while the real scary things come out from 7pm to 9pm!

The basement of the Masonic Temple gets real scary on October 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, and 31! Filled with all the things that go bump in the night, don’t miss a chance to experience Halloween scares in this building that is over 140 years old.

Niles Scream Park

Offering five unique main attractions that are carefully and professionally designed, Niles Scream Park is here to scare the “yell” out of you! This years feature attraction is an homage to Steven King featuring a clown in your sewer, escaping the wrath of Johnny, and seeing first hand Carrie’s prom night! This is in addition to four other great haunted attractions that you don’t want to miss!

Haunted Adventures at Cornwell’s Turkeyville

Every weekend in October, Cornwell’s holds their family friendly Haunted Adventures from 12pm to 8pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays! Activities include a pumpkin patch, spooky hay ride, and Haunted Barn. The theme for the Haunted Barn this year is “shadows” so watch out for what is lurking about!

Haunted Forest at Covert/South Haven KOA

Enjoy two weekends of Halloween fun with Covert/South Haven KOA! On the weekends of October 2 and 9, enjoy some great family activities including trick-or-treating, a haunted forest, games, pumpkin decorating, and more! With all these great things to do, you may want to come back for both weekends!

Haunted Forest at Crystal MountainHaunted Corn Maze & 3D Barn at Crane Orchards

Prepare yourself for Crane Orchards’ Haunted Corn Maze and 3-D Barn! The 20-acre corn maze features plenty of spooky interruptions and terrifying surprises as your navigate through it. New to this year’s fall preview is the 3-D Barn which begins at dusk to 10pm.

The Haunted Hallow at Olde World Village

The Old World Village’s largest annual event, The Haunted Hallow, is right around the corner! Supporting the regions charities, The Haunted Hallow features everything scary on a half mile trail going through the woods with over 25 scenes. All this and the Maze of Despair are set up to make sure that you are properly scared! Open every Friday and Saturday night during the month of October form 8pm to midnight. This is not recommended for those under 17.

North

Haunted Forest at Crystal Mountain

Are you brave enough to make it through Crystal Mountain’s Haunted Forest? Hang out by the fire where you’ll hear the screams surrounding the mountain. Carefully maneuver down the haunted trail and watch out for what lurks around every corner. Tickets available at the Park at Water’s Edge on October 17, 23, 24, and 30!

Haunted Trail at Grand Hotel

See the Grand Hotel as you’ve never seen it before! The weekend begins Friday, October 30 with a Welcome Reception, five-course dinner, and Haunted Trail! A scary movie will be presented Friday evening as well! Saturday includes a Bloody Mary bar, pumpkin carving contests, free admission to the Haunted Theatre downtown, and Haunted Afternoon Tea. Another five-course dinner will be served Saturday evening followed by the Grand Halloween Party! There will be live music and all beer, wine, and snacks are included at the party.

Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour at Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is going to be filled to the brim with great activities! Don’t miss the kids Trick or Treating downtown, Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour, and Halloween parties at the downtown pubs! This a great mix of family fun and grown up entertainment!