North Fairfield haunted hayride returns

Imagine it's late October 1988. You're standing in line for the Haunted Hayride behind the old North Fairfield School. The night air is sharp and cool, filled with the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke. The wagon creaks up beside you, your heart skips a beat, and soon you're off into the dark woods — laughter and screams echoing through the trees. For years, the Haunted Hayride was a beloved North Fairfield tradition — until it disappeared into local legend. But this fall, it's back. The First Annual Harvest Festival at Sweeting Orchards has brought the North Fairfield Haunted Hayride back from the grave, and it's better than ever! For two more weekends, visitors can enjoy a full lineup of autumn fun: live music, food trucks, face painting, pumpkin decorating, caricature drawings, pumpkin yard games, scarecrow making, putt-putt golf, bingo, costume contest, a scavenger hunt, Halloween movies, and of course—the Haunted Hayride itself. Families can enjoy a kid-friendly hayride from 4:30–6:30 p.m., before the woods transform at 7:30 p.m. into a darker, creepier experience. As the wagon winds through the bare trees and alongside the rustling cornfield, eerie whispers, flickering lights, and nine haunted scenes await. Each spooky scene supports a local nonprofit or charity, and guests can vote for their favorite by scanning a QR code at the end of the ride. The winning group will receive a portion of ticket proceeds from Sweeting Orchards. Live Music Lineup: • Oct. 25: Sweet Umbra (5–7 p.m.) • Oct. 31: Kaitlyn Speicher (5–6:30 p.m.) Food Vendors: • Oct. 25: Chappero Tacos • Oct. 31: Completely Baked Pretzel Company • Both Nights: Crazy May Concessions serving up delicious drinks Don't miss your chance to relive the thrill of the past—or make brand new memories with family and friends. Whether you come for the food, the pumpkins, the music, or the haunted hayride, you'll find plenty of autumn magic (and maybe a little mischief) at Sweeting Orchards' First Annual Harvest Festival. • Admission: $15 per person (ages 3 and up) • Location: Sweeting Orchards, 3420 New State Road, Willard, Ohio • Hours: Gates open at 4:00 p.m. | Festival fun runs until 9:30 p.m. • If you're in line for the hayride by 9:30, you're guaranteed a spooky trip through the shadows.