Hundreds head to haunted hayride in Petersburg

PETERSBURG, Ky. - What would draw hundreds of people miles and miles off the main drag on a weekend night in October? A haunted hayride at Sandyland Acres farm in Petersburg, Ky. located off of miles of winding country roads.

The shrieks and shrills poured through the crowd Saturday night as masked ghouls entertained the long lines waiting to board a hay wagon pulled by a tractor.

About 30 people at a time are pulled through corn fields where fear awaits thrill seekers at each turn. Strange noises pour from the corn rows when suddenly a monster jumps inside the hay wagon as passengers huddle together. For folks who close their eyes, they might open them to a monster up close in their face. Just when the coast appears clear, a scary looking man with a chainsaw in hand comes within inches of passengers.

Horror film buffs will get a charge of the scenes from "Psycho," "Friday the 13th" and other favorites that are recreated by actors.

There's more -- a speeding truck with flames chases the hay wagon, while a headless horseman and his companion coming right up to the back of passengers. There's also a funeral for ghosts that's quite eerie.

Brenda Webb, one of the minds behind the haunted hayride, said it takes about 50 people every night to make the event a success. She says the group starts planning in June to make sure everything is ready to go by September. Webb said the hayride is kid-friendly "as long as mom or dad's arm is nearby to grab onto."

The hayride takes about 25 minutes. However, the lines can be long so be prepared to wait as the date draws closer to Halloween. Admission is $12. Group rates are available as is a "fast pass" for an upcharge.

The hayride is open 8 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturdays through Oct. 30. Sandyland Acres is located at 4172 Belleview Road, Petersburg, exit 11 off I-275. Call 859-322-0516 for more information or visit www.sandylandacres.com.