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CAMPUS

The Norwich Guidon
October 30, 2003

Haunted Hayride adds new thrills to annual event on Norwich campus

By Edward Sulton'EL
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Haunted Hayride participants warm up with hot chocolate and cider outside the tent (above) at Norwich University Oct. 23-26. A girl watches a fire at the hayride (below).

For 11-year-old Montpelier resident Matt Provost, Halloween means more than just gathering candy and treats from neighbors.

He also anxiously looks forward to going to Northfield, Vt., the one place where he can be both entertained and scared nearly half to death: the Norwich campus and its annual Haunted Hayride.

From Oct. 23-26, Northfield High School provided community entertainment with the Haunted Hayride held on Disney Field at Norwich University.

"I have been coming every year since I was nine," said Matt Provost, 11, of Montpelier, Vt. "Some of it was scarier than fun, and some was more fun than scarier. Last year there was one chainsaw, but this year there were two."

Northfield residents Frank Hall and Heidi Passalacqua, who originally came up with the idea for the Haunted Hayride, worked together this year to make the event a success.

"The Haunted Hayride started in 1998, and we evolved in the last six years by having the kids of the community and Norwich work together," Passalacqua said.

Hall described himself as a "jack-of-all-trades" which enabled him to help with all aspects of the operation.

"There are so many people involved in this," Hall said. "Almost 250 people by the time the event is done."

The Haunted Hayride was followed the Haunted House, which was put on by Project Graduation.

"The Hayride is funded by government grants or money given to the project," said Andrew MacPherson, 19, a sophomore political science major from Gary, New Hampshire.

The Hayride affects age groups in different ways.

"There are young kids who have gone on this ride who weren't scared, but their parents were scared to death," Hall said. "Usually the younger girls really get scared."

There are many benefits that come from the Haunted Hayride. Hall said he worked "with three groups, and we work for the scholarship organization for Norwich and Project Graduation at the High School."

New this year is the addition of a fortune teller (above). The ride (below) is the highlight of the annual event.

Hall has been with the Haunted Hayride project for two years.

"I started doing the Haunted Hayride last year as part of my orientation project," MacPherson said. "I was involved with a lot of the planning for the event. This year, I am a section leader of the alien site."

"The Haunted Hayride is a good project, because it helps Norwich University and the community of Northfield together," Hall said. High school students participate in the action as well as enjoy the ride itself.

"The ride was comprised of stations that had scary events; people jumped out at you as you rode around," said Ann LaRose, 18, a senior at Northfield High School.

"Last year, there were about 4,500 people here," Passalacqua said. "This year, we estimate more to come from other towns as well as Northfield and Norwich's community.

"It's a great family event. Volunteers give whatever time they can to put this on for the communities," Passalacqua said. "Seeing the reactions and the appreciation of the event is very fulfilling."

In addition to the ride itself, there were other activities this year.

"We have a [fortune teller] this year," Hall said. "We have a group of Cadets who are putting on a skit. By the time you have gotten through the ride, you really have had a good night's worth of entertainment."

Hall said " it's a lot of fun, and a lot goes into it."

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.