Huge crowd shows up for Jackson's Haunted Hayride

Saturday's rainy weather moved out just in time for crowds of people to line up for Jackson's Haunted Hayride event. It turned out to be a perfect October evening with clearing skies, a slight chill in the air and falling leaves to put people in the mood for a Halloween scare.

Volunteer Millie Stergious estimated that there would be at least 3,000 people riding the wagons during the night. The first hour saw 600 visitors, and the numbers kept growing.

"I've been doing this for a while and it is a great event. Most of the community shows up and it's free," said Stergious.

There were three wagons donated by local Jackson Township farmers. Trustee members volunteered to drive the wagons through the haunted trail. As people boarded the wagons, they were told to sit on the stacks of hay and prepare to be scared. 

There were several scenes set up on the dark, spooky trail. Riders on the wagon screamed and jumped when creatures of the night attacked by climbing on the wagon and trying to run along side of it. Most people were laughing and having a good time. The scares were not too intense, and the evening was definitely family friendly.

Perry Township resident Julie Basson stood in line with her son, Bergan. 

"We're thrilled this is going on tonight," Basson said. Basson took her son and his three friends to the event. 

"It's my birthday and my friends are spending the night," said Bergan. 

"This is a great thing for us to do with the kids and the best part is that it's free," added Basson.

Jackson Township police officer John Angelo was on duty to direct traffic into the parking lot and keep residents safe. 

"There is a lot of people here tonight, but it's been calm," said Angelo.  The line moved pretty quickly, and people were able to get a parking space right away.

With Halloween in the air and families preparing for trick-or-treating, this was a great way to get in a scary mood.  Jackson resident, Heather Butzer, brought her two children to the event, Maddie, 7, and Raymond, 4. 

"I was kind of scared, but not too much," said Maddie. Her brother Raymond gave his opinion of the night as well.

 "It was real scary and real fun," Raymond said.