Goblins, ghosts, ghoulies and scary movies — the Town of Clifton's got 'em all. This Saturday, Oct. 25, from 7-11 p.m. is the fourth-annual "Trail of Terror" in Clifton's Eight-Acre Park; admission is $5.
The haunted trail is not recommended for very young children. But they and others may still enjoy "Monster Movies under the Moon," courtesy of Cox Communications. Presented free throughout the evening will be "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein," "The Bride of Frankenstein" and "Beetlejuice."
THE MOVIES WILL BE on resident Richard King's field at the end of Chapel Street, and event co-chairs Taya Abbott and Margo Buckley are delighted they'll be shown in conjunction with the haunted trail. Said Buckley: "Since there are no more drive-in movies, it's a way for parents to share something with their children that they once enjoyed."
Entering from Clifton Road, parking is in the flood plain to the left, and a hayride will convey people to the haunted trail. John Eubank and Steve Howell will provide and drive the hay wagons, and they and Boy Scout Troop 1104 will set up props in the park for the evening's drama. Domino's will sell pizza and soda, and the town will sell hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, hot apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods.
Last year's event attracted 1,500 people, and the organizers expect this year's extravaganza to be just as successful. Besides being an important source of income for the town, said Abbott, "It's just neat to see the whole community come together and do something that's fun. I hope everybody comes here because it's a unique event and good, family entertainment."
RISING OUT OF the mist and fog along the trail — amidst creepy music and weird lighting — will be costumed residents acting in spooky skits. Keith Abbott and Tom McNamara will portray Hannibal Lechter and Clarice. And twin brothers John and Joseph Baber will frighten folks in the Bunnyman scenario, with help from Lara Bjoring and Alex Buckley.
Waging a high-seas battle as the Pirates of Clifton Creek will be Jamie Netschert, Terese Colling and Dennis, Blake and Croix Hottell. And how's this for unique — Royce and Connor Jarrendt are maniacal, chainsaw-wielding, cannibal hillbillies, terrorizing Bill and Billy Curry, Mac and Katherine Arnold and Ken Buckley.
In a new skit this year are Chris and Ryan O'Donnell — a witch doctor and zombie, respectively — plus Alex Keen and a live goat and rooster. And Kelly Webb will be a spider rappelling down a tree. "He was really cool, last year," said Margo Buckley. "And I think it's neat that his name is 'Webb.'"
Jolanda Janczewski will lead a witches' coven, and they'll have caged animals — including a gorilla and a coyote. Count and Countess Dracula will make the scene, and Dan Kelliher will pop up in unexpected places as a roving werewolf in search of new victims.
GRAVEYARD MONSTERS Maryl and Michael Humm, Bill Hummel and Chris and Toni Jones are sure to get a rise out of those visiting the woods, and don't miss professional Renaissance-Festival actor Spencer Humm as Barry Croaker, a Medieval gravedigger.
Deranged doctor Lev Buller and evil nurse Susan Ricci will perform amputations in the Civil War Hospital on poor patient Alan Feldencrist. And beware of the Moss Men. Totally strange and freaky, Mark Khosravi, Mark Harrington and Jake Buller will roam the forest on the prowl. But even if you survive all that, grim reapers John Kinter and Lou Bonacich — wearing hooded robes and carrying scythes — will be waiting ...
The haunted trail is so popular that it draws people from as far away as Alexandria and Maryland. "Sometimes, people have Halloween parties and come here afterwards," said Buckley. "Halloween is always a favorite time of year for me." For more information, and in case of rain, call 703-830-0976.