Season for screams

With each passing day this month, the Red River Valley gets colder, less green and foggy at times.

The nights are no different.

Unless you blend in some spooky-looking buildings and cornfields decked with "dead" bodies and masked people jumping out of nowhere holding "blood-soaked weapons."

The result?

Gasps, raised eyebrows and screams in any given order.

Yes, Halloween is on the horizon and that means the region's haunted attractions are in full bloom for the thrill seekers at heart.

Some area residents took advantage of their love for Halloween and spent months planning and building their own scream sets like a horror movie director.

Their creations could send thrill seekers running with fright like those fleeing from machete-armed Jason Voorhies, the hockey-masked "Friday the 13th" star.

"It's fun to have people come out who want to be scared," said Teresa Gilbertson, who owns Extreme Scream on U.S. Highway 10 east of Dilworth. Those who come with the right attitude are more than likely to be thrilled, she said.

Gilbertson said Extreme Scream - now in its fourth year of haunting - has a larger cave this year for its attendees to explore. It's unclear what will be in store for those who step inside.

The right attitude also falls on those creating the haunting attractions each year, ensuring that thrill seekers get what they come for.

"I always enjoyed Halloween and enjoyed scaring people," said Tony Plante, who owns Acres of Terror off State Highway 18 in Leonard, N.D. This is an opportunity to take frightening others further, he said of his attraction.

Those who make it out to the Acres of Terror, now in its fifth year, may want to wear comfortable shoes and stretch their legs before entering.

Its masked dwellers do more than jump at visitors, Plante said. "We chase people."

The Acres of Terror attraction is based in Leonard's long-abandoned high school with more than 40 actors waiting to haunt thrill seekers.

Its $20 admission covers transportation so attendees can navigate the attraction that covers the old school and a nearby corn field. "We've got a good bus ride planned and it's not your typical bus," Plante said.

Those who head out to the Acres of Terror also have the opportunity to party before heading home.

"We had people, especially 21 and over, looking for something to do after closing," Plante said.

Beginning this year, an all-ages dance will be held in the former high school's gymnasium while the Acres of Terror is open each Friday and Saturday night until October's end. The attraction is also open the last two Sunday nights in October.

For those 21 and over, the dance will also feature a beer garden.

Plante, who owns the Big T Bar and Grill in Leonard, has an off-premises permit to operate the beer garden. Law enforcement also helps maintain order at the dances.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office assigns an officer to cover the dances, Sgt. Gail Wischmann said.

At The Extreme Scream, Gilbertson said those who prefer a less than extreme scream - like parties with younger children - can call in advance so arrangements can be made.

"Our guides can put on a more mild show" for those requesting them, she said. The 25 or so actors helping scare people will also be notified, she said.

Like the Acres of Terror, The Extreme Scream includes a trip through a nearby corn field.

Gilbertson said a guide typically accompanies those making their way through the field, but those entering the "black maze" are on their own.

Extreme Scream

- Location: Two miles east of Dilworth on U.S. Highway 10, just east of the County 11 overpass

- Hours: 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Halloween night.

- Admission: $15, group rates available

- Contact: (218) 233-3025

- Online: www.lovetoscream.com

Acres of Terror

- Location: Along North Dakota State Highway 18 in Leonard

- Hours: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Open last two Sundays in October. All-ages dance is free with admission and ends at 2 a.m.

- Admission: $20 per person, group rates available

- Contact: (701) 491-2587

- Online: www.acresofterror.biz

The Haunted Farm

- Location: 10 miles south of Moorhead along U.S. Highway 75

- Hours: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Halloween night

- Admission: $12 per person, group rates available

- Contact: (218) 585-4302

- Online: www.hauntedfarm.com

Haunted Corn Maze

- Location: 10 miles south of Moorhead along U.S. Highway 75

- Hours: 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Also open Oct. 29-Halloween. Open 1 to 5 p.m. for family-friendly Sundays (no hauntings)

- Admission: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: $10 ages 13 and older, $8 children ages 4-12 and children ages 3 and under are free. Sunday family rate: $30 for parties of five

- Contact: (218) 585-4529

- Online: www.hauntedcornmaze.com

Goldenwood Charity Corn Maze

- Location: 12th Avenue North and County Road 17, West Fargo

- Hours: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday through October

- Admission: $7 adults, $5 children ages 5-12, free for children under age 5. Proceeds go to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

- Contact: (701) 282-0066

- Online: www.homelanddevelopers.com

Readers can reach Forum reporter Benny Polacca at (701) 241-5504 Season for screams Benny Polacca 20071018