Back by popular demand – and for one night only – the Enchanted Forest returns to entertain nature enthusiasts of all ages.
That’s right, this Saturday night, the woods outside the McLane Audubon Center will magically be transformed into family friendly Halloween fun central.
Just picture this: You meet your leader and co-leader outside the Audubon Center. They lead you (of course) to a trail at the edge of the woods. There’s a rope, and it’s a good idea to grab a hold because it is, after all, the woods at night, and it’s pretty hard to see what’s going on.
“By 6:30 it’s in the dark,” said Ruth Smith, the Audubon’s centennial coordinator. “The leaders have flashlights for emergency purposes, but we encourage them not to use them. It’s dark in the woods and that’s part of the fun.”
But don’t worry, this is safe Halloween fun and not the scary kind.
“It’s not designed to be scary. It’s an alternative to scary haunted houses,” Smith said. “Nobody will be jumping out of the woods to give children nightmares.”
The rope guides you along the pathway lit by jack-o-lanterns, carved by the students of St. Paul’s, and glow sticks, and all of a sudden you’re at an opening that is covered in case of inclement weather. There’s what looks to be a human-sized creature there, and it can talk.
“They’re not professional actors, but they have a script, a costume and tips,” Smith said.
What kind of creature you ask? Well, that’s something you need to find out on your own. They wouldn’t call it the Enchanted Forest and then give all the secrets away ahead of time now would they?
But that’s just one of four stops on this trip through the woods – and let’s not forget the campfire and storyteller at the end.
“The skits try to teach things, but in a really fun way,” Smith said.
All told, the Enchanted Forest adventure will take about an hour to complete, although the distance of the walk is rather short. It’s the experience that takes up most of the time.
“We want people to enjoy their time in the woods,” Smith said. “The forest in the night is pretty cool.”
The first tour of the evening embarks at 4:30 p.m., with a new group taking in the woodsy fun about every 20 minutes after that. Unfortunately, the night has to end at some point, and that time will be at 9 p.m.
Now we know that you’re excited and just can’t wait to hit the trail for some good old family fun, but there are a few things you need to know first.
It’s important to sign up ahead of time. While there might be some random spots open if you decide to just show up on Saturday, there are no guarantees. It sold out last year, and that’s the hope once again.
So between now (whenever now is for you) and Friday afternoon, call 224-9909, ext. 333, to reserve your spot. Each time slot can include 20-25 people, so large groups can all go together depending on availability. Smith said there are about 300 spots available for the night.
Cost is $6.50 for Audubon members and $9.50 for nonmembers. There are discounted rates available for scout and youth groups, so make sure to ask.
And once you have your time slot all picked out, don’t forget to come early or stay a little late. There will be baked goods, as well as hot and cold cider available for purchase, and indoor activities to make it fun for the whole family.
“It gives people something to do while they’re waiting for their time slot,” Smith said.
The Audubon actually began hosting the Enchanted Forest all the way back in 1987, and at its peak it was held over three nights with two simultaneous trails. But after a nine-year hiatus, the Halloween night of fun returned last year with great success.
“Everyone was really, really excited it came back last year,” Smith said.
Believe us, you’re not going to want to miss out on this night. So don’t wait till the last minute and reserve your spot today. How else are you going to find out what characters are waiting in the woods?
