Tis the season for ghosts, ghouls, goblins, and a good scare. And, organizers of Spooky Acres at the Northern Minnesota District Fairgrounds in Littlefork promise just that — and more.

“I think this will be a fun event and just in time for Halloween,” said Mike Fairchild, Littlefork city clerk.

The first-time event is scheduled for 7-11 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27. Spooky Acres will feature about eight acres of haunted fairgrounds, hayrides, bonfires, and concessions stands.

In the past, the Boorman family in Littlefork has coordinated a similar effort with a haunted house at the family’s garage, the Littlefork Community Building, and then at the city’s fire hall. 

“It started out as a birthday party for our son,” said Wendy Boorman, who also works for the Littlefork Chamber of Commerce, the organization sponsoring this year’s event. 

Boorman said the birthday party was such a hit that the family decided to move the haunted house to town to allow for more people to walk through. 

“It kind of snowballed from there,” Fairchild explained. “It kept getting bigger and bigger.”

This year, both Fairchild and Boorman, along with many other volunteers, say they have high hopes for the success of the haunted fairgrounds. 

“This is kind of a trial year,” Fairchild said. “Hopefully, it’ll go well and next year, it’ll get bigger and better.”

Without giving too much of the scare away, Boorman said visitors will be shuttled into Spooky Acres on a wagon and will be taken around to different areas of the fairgrounds. Guests will also take a walk through the woods as well as in and out of the fairground’s buildings, she said. 

“There will be several surprises,” Boorman added. 

Boorman said while everyone is invited to attend the event, she recommends children under the age of 10 not participate. 

“Kids tend to scare so easily and we don’t want to traumatize them,” she said. 

The cost per visit is $5 per person or $20 per family. Fairchild said money raised will go back into the chamber’s fund to purchase more props for next year. 

“We’re all very excited about this,” Fairchild said of Spooky Acres. “I think people will really enjoy themselves.”

The fair grounds are located off Highway 71 on County Road 33 in Littlefork. Fairchild noted there will be signs directing people where to go.