Some could argue that 100-year-old buildings are creepy enough on their own. However, the scare factor is about to be turned up a notch in the village at the Lincoln County Historical Museum.
The North Platte Community College Lady Knights softball team will haunt the village for the ninth year in a row Oct. 21-24 and Oct. 28-31. Hauntings will be from 7:30 p.m. to midnight each night.
The theme of the event is, “A Knight of Pain.” Janelle Higgins, NPCC head softball coach, said letting the team choose the theme, costumes and scenes that will be acted out is half the fun.
“The kids enjoy the scaring aspect, but just seeing the community come out and support us is really what has kept the event going,” said Higgins.
Zombies, witches and goblins are just a few of the creepy characters that will be prowling around the museum grounds.
“Every spine-chilling thing people can imagine will be popping out at them,” said Higgins. “There will be a Michael Myers scene, a clown tent and a horror house. It’s not a typical haunted house. Instead of people going to the scares – the scares will be coming to them.”
Visitors will walk halfway through the village and ride the rest of the way on a hayrack. The faint of heart will have the option of remaining in less frightening areas of the museum grounds.
Paintball, laser tag, a coloring booth and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows will be set up. Hot chocolate and popcorn will also be available.
Various sizes of pumpkins will be for sale, and prices will range from $1 for the small pumpkins to $20 for the giants. Trick-or-treating will be allowed at the museum from 6-7 p.m. on Halloween.
Proceeds from the event will be split between the NPCC softball team and the museum. The team will use its share for spring travel expenses.
According to museum director Jim Griffin, the museum will put the money it receives toward general operating expenses, which fund everything from keeping the lights on at the attraction to the restoration of old buildings.
Admission to “A Knight of Pain” is $7 for anyone 8 or older. Kids younger than 8 will be let in for free.