Spooky trails will raise           your hair, funds for                        animals

TILTON — Workers at the Vermilion County Animal Shelter say visitors will have a “howling good time” this weekend and next during its Halloween events.

A “Walk the Trail of Terror” will be from 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the shelter on Catlin-Tilton Road. Admission is $5 per person, and it’s not recommended for children under age 10.

Then, the Spooky Tails Trail for Kids will be noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the shelter. Cost is $5 per family.

The “Howloween” events are sponsored by the Paw Brigade, with all proceeds going to purchase items to help the animals in the shelter.

This is the second year for the scary trails.

Melanie Clawson, volunteer coordinator, said the children’s trail went really well last year. The scarier trail for older ages went well, too, but she’s hoping for a bigger turnout this year, and it’s been expanded to two nights.

Older visitors to the Trail of Terror will walk along the trail in the woods, behind the shelter, and try to avoid spirits trying to escape their graves, knife-wielding zombies, body bags, baby dolls dangling from trees and more.

“It’s going to be one of the scariest events in Vermilion County,” Clawson said.

The Spooky Tails Trail for Kids is milder, featuring ghosts, witches and other less gruesome characters. It’s open to all ages.

Children are invited to dress in costume, and may bring their dogs in costume. The children’s and pet costumes will be judged.

Dog owners must bring proof of rabies immunizations with them; the shelter staff will not have time to look up the information.

Children also may have their faces painted, find treasures on the scavenger hunt, hug animals in the petting zoo and learn about animal care.