Mansfield's Haunted Hallows Gives Back to Community

The young performers and producers of the now traditional faced their own goblins last October, as howling winds and a Halloween snowfall combined to cancel two of the six scheduled events.

But weather gremlins notwithstanding, the fall fundraiser netted a total of $8,437, a testament to both the tenacity of the group and its adult supporters, and to the loyalty of townspeople of all ages.

Wednesday, a core group representing about 80 youthful performers presented three gifts to three worthy Mansfield institutions -- $4,000 to the , $2,600 to the West Side Benevolent Circle, and $1,300 to , the community food pantry.

Two adult youth leaders, Jeannine Rose and Pat Colbert, told selectmen Wednesday the work of the Haunted Hallows committee had again paid off, but said each year has dealt its own challenges, and this season's celebration had to fend off Mother Nature's version of Trick or Treat.

"The community really came out," said Rose, thanking the school system, the public works and electric departments, and local businesses for donations of everything from equipment to food.

Rose said design and planning for each year's staging of creepy scenarios and wild rides through the woods off Oakland Street begins far in advance.

By March, the troupe is already laying down the theme and planning is soon underway, along with design of the trail and recruiting of volunteers.

Starting in July and extending through the start of school, on a four day a week schedule, construction is completed and eventually rehearsals begin. The event aims at six nights, with the last night saved as the grand finale.

Rose said both the Oct. 14 and 29 performances were cancelled because of weather. But one night alone drew 300 customers at $10 each.

"We found a way for everyone to contribute," she said. "The kids get an opportunity to contribute and perform. It's a treasure."

She noted scheduling of the high school volunteers is a tactical challenge in itself, but said the event has evolved from a back yard fund-raiser to a full fledged town tradition in a short time.

"It's taken on a life of its own," she said.

Mary Andrews of the Animal Welfare Committee, said over the last four years the animal shelter has received more than $30,000 from the fall Haunted Hallows celebration, helping to make the new Animal Shelter on Fruit Street possible.

Kathleen Bailey, secretary to the steering committee for Our Daily Bread, accepted the donation for the food pantry.

"Your donation will help a lot of your neighbors in Mansfield," she said. "This is an all-volunteer organization, and we are completely dependent on donations from the community."

Selectmen congratulated the assembled students for their efforts on behalf of others, saying contributing time and work so steadily to their community will not go unnoticed by higher institutions of learning as the students go forward in life.

"If this is the caliber of young adults coming out of our community, we're doing great," said board member Doug Annino.

For more information, see the Haunted Hallows website, www.mansfieldhauntedhallows.com. The group also has a Facebook page.