Nipigon’s Haunted Trail [INCL. MATURE CONTENT/PHOTOS WHICH SOME VIEWERS MAY FIND OFFENSIVE]
Frightening Fundraiser Sends Attendees Running
Nipigon Interact Club performer prepares for the arrival of ‘hikers’ on the Haunted Trail. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
NIPIGON, ON – October 30th was a night of terror for Nipigon residents attending the Interact Club’s Haunted Trail fundraiser. The trail was slippery and the weather was cold, but members of Nipigon-Red Rock District High School’s Interact Club knew ‘the show must go on’.
Interact Cub President, Nicole Verville, explains, “We were doing it rain or shine, or snow, or whatever. We didn’t really have a back up plan. The actors were wet and cold, but it was okay. We just had to be careful of the trail.” Though Verville acknowledge the added challenges presented by muddy conditions for students trying to find their footing on the dark path through the woods, she also pointed out it’s advantages “It certainly added to the ambiance, in a way that the students used to the best of their abilities. It was also for a good cause.” she observed, “People are already in such great spirit, with dressing up and decorating. I think they are more willing to help children who might not be able to go out for Halloween. They are already so upbeat. It’s the same at Christmas as well.”
Club members, Nicole Verville, Cassidy Houston, Abbi Buckley, Kylie Perala, and Hanna Dah, wrote a script (scroll down to read), which was shared, instilling anxiety and fear, with those brave enough to visit before they began the frightening trek. Though organizers took note of younger visitors, slightly adapting a few aspects of Nipigon’s 2014 Haunted Trail, it was definitely an evening of entertainment celebrating the fun of fright in Halloween as can be seen in the photos. Among those who practiced their acting skills or assisted in the evening were: Nicole Verville (Interact Club President), Brittany Bianco, Abbi Buckley, Emily Cooney, Hanna Dahl, Jackson Dahl, Dayna Foulds, Aidan Harvey, Jaedyn Harvey, Cassidy Houston, Bordie Lawrence, Delaney Mcleod, Kaitlin Munro, Kylie Perala, Curt Salmon, Erik Salmon, Courtney Soos, Callie Sutherland, Abby Taggart, Michelle Verville, and Olivia Zeleny. Additional adult assistance: Trace O’Connor, Brian Davis, Becky Hall, Linda Nicol, Guy Verville, and Martha Verville.
The haunted trail, once an annual event in Nipigon, hadn’t been held in recent years due to struggles within the Interact Club, in regards to membership. Verville became President after being asked last year if she was interested in reviving the club, which hadn’t existed while she was in Grade 9 and 10, and it has been growing ever since increasing from four members to fourteen this year. They have been meeting twice a week throughout October in preparation for this spooky event.
The tour wrapped up with one of the characters jumping out while another encouraged attendees to “Run!”; like most, my 7 year old son, did not need to be told twice eager to run out and, all the way home! Hopes are that the thoroughly spooked attendees will regain their courage by next Halloween as the club hopes to host the walk again in 2015. Congraulations to the Interact Club and all those involved in organizing and executing the very successful, and frightening , fundraiser.
Interact Club is the high school division of the International Rotary Club. Each year, the club chooses local and international charities for which to raise funds. The haunted trail brought in an impressive $325! The club will decide, at their next meeting, which charity will receive the generous donation. The group is also planning to raise money for the Ryan’s Well project which builds wells and latrines in needy countries.
The Story Of The Children Of The Woods And The Haunted Trail
Script Written By: Nicole Verville, Cassidy Houston, Abbi Buckley, Kylie Perala, and Hanna Dahl.“Many years ago, in Nipigon, there was an orphanage that not many people knew about. Children your age were sent from all over the country and while many were adopted, there was one boy in particular who wasn’t. We think that this was because of his obsession with building fires. He could be found in his room with fires on the bed or floor or out in the garden burning leaves, trees and plants. Many parents thought that he would be a danger to have around their home and years after he arrived at the orphanage, unwanted and abandoned, he disappeared without a trace. To this day, we still do not know where he went. One day, my friend and I were playing out in the garden and when we looked back at the orphanage, we saw that our beautiful home was completely engulfed in flames. All we could hear was the screaming and crying of all of our friends drowned out by the roaring sound of the chainsaw. We were the only two survivors. This is our first time back.”
