Contributed by: Falina Marihrt, creator.
Saturday, October 21, 2023 – For the third year in a row, the Clovis Haunted Trail is set to open to trick or treaters the last weekend in October. The Clovis Haunted Trail is a scary haunted, outdoor, walking experience designed to thrill those who love Halloween and all scary things.
You can expect to hear eerie music, foggy trees, and spooky lighting. Live zombies, creepy clowns, ghosts, and skeletons climbing about. Headstones, a pumpkin patch, hay bales, and creepy toys.
The event is 1000 feet walking experience that starts at one spot on the trail and ends at another (one way). The exact location is behind the Parkway Trails Shopping Center on the Northeast corner of Willow and Nees avenue in Clovis, California. The walking experience is on the Fresno Clovis Trail and features 15 scary, themed sections.
“It’s a great family event and the trail is scary as it is, so why not make it fun!” Explained Falina Marihart, Creator of the event. “I love seeing all the kiddos dressed up and having fun.”
Who benefits from all the effort? CenCal Youth Sports. This 501c3 non-profit organization promotes the characteristics of Hard-Work, Integrity, and Trust. (HIT) They offer a variety of sports and fitness programs for players aged 6-14 in the Fresno and Clovis area.
“The Clovis Haunted Trail is one of our biggest fundraisers and last year we increased our youth sponsorships by 30 percent.” Explained Nate Dalena, Executive Director of CenCal Youth Sports.
Repeat volunteers participate in a variety of services like set up, scare actors, behind the scenes, trail monitors, and registration. Buchanan High School students take part and earn service hours for school as part of fulfilling the requirements for community service for college applications and scholarships.
“It’s a win-win for everyone who participates, and the students do an impressive job as scare actors and other supporting roles during the event.” Explained Falina Marihart.
There are many sponsors who have contributed money, services, and items for the event. Mono Wind Casino in Auberry has supported the event for the last three years. As presenting sponsor, they contribute at least 30 percent of the cost of the production.
The City of Clovis, Parkway Trails Shopping Center, VisitFresnoCounty.com, PC Solutions, 13 Prime Steak, Kids Kare Schools, Fresno Coin Gallery, DCL Technology, Valley Fence, and Ritcher Feed, also contribute money, time, and services to the event. For a second year, Red Carpet Car Wash will have a Zombie themed car experience and will have giveaways, photo ops and candy.
The Clovis Haunted Trail adds, yet another attraction to the City of Clovis supporting their motto “The Clovis Way of Life.”