Lower Elgin Road in Elgin is normally a quiet road with little traffic and perhaps an occasional longhorn escapee sampling the roadside smorgasbord.
However, this Oct. 24, Halloween festivities begin and traffic is sure to pick up! Lena Stephens, daughter of the historic orchard and farm owner, Mark Douglas (for the history please refer to the Jan. 4, 2024, edition of the Patagonia Regional Times), and her friend and artist Kelly Rangel have made this third year of their celebration bigger than ever. It all starts at 4:30 p.m. with an hour of ‘No Scare’ activities and games for tots and adults with heart conditions, followed by ‘The Haunting Time’ with goblins and actors to surprise and shock those with a sturdy constitution and a fearless heart. With the addition of two food trucks, Sonoita Savory Celtic Pies, a hot cocoa stand and a live band, Birds and Arrows from Tucson, the normally quiet Lower Elgin Road will be hopping!
This project started small three years ago with the help of local teenagers. The new addition of a cabin, built with donated lumber from the Canelo Project/Barefoot Builders, a metal roof from Monument Steel and wooden pallets from Sonoita Feeds has made a structure that will last for years to come. Constructed with the help of family members and local teens, this should make a semi-permanent spot for the anticipated adrenalin rush that Halloween is known for.
“We will have a circus tent erected at the entrance with black lights for the start,” Stephens said.
Of course, no fright-generating experience is complete without a walk on a wood-chip covered trail in the dark woods, lit only by occasional tea lights, with goblins and scary apparitions jumping out along the path, just to keep one on one’s toes. There are exhibits along the trail and appropriately scary sculptures and artwork in the cabin, created by the talented Rangel.
Of course, all of this could not be created without the help of the twenty or so costumed teenagers who are the actors for this dramatic Halloween production. Admission is free, however a donation would be appreciated, as this is the only compensation for the teen actors and helpers. Goodie bags will be handed out to participants, and the organizers are hoping that all will have a great time. There is plenty of parking on the property.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without all of the donations from the community and are so thankful for that,” Stephen said. They encourage all to come, enjoy, partake of the food and drink and fun and make it a Halloween to remember – in a good way, of course!