Halloween Fundraisers – The Spectator

There are many local fall activities to participate in in October. Certain events have the added benefit of supporting student organizations and the community. Two of them are these Field of Screams Haunted Barn and Trail And Family fun daysboth take place at Rockin' TR Ranch in Eau Claire.

Jodi Thesing-Rittera member of this family farm, is also the director of the Center for EDI Training, Development and Education and an instructor from Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies at UW-Eau Claire. She is also the coordinator of the Civil rights pilgrimage (CRP).

According to Thesing-Ritter, the Haunted Barn was founded 12 years ago by her daughters and their 4-H club. Their goal was to raise money for it Feed my peoplea food bank program in west-central Wisconsin.

“Now it’s gotten so big that we have to involve other youth organizations and student groups,” Thesing-Ritter said. “Their brothers followed in their sisters’ footsteps to continue the event. We enjoyed watching it grow every year.”

Thesing-Ritter is also an adult leader of the Pleasant Hill Makersa team manager for the Camp warrior and an advisor to the 4-H Senior Youth Council. All of these groups work together to run the events and receive a portion of the proceeds.

The Theme This year's Haunted Barn and Trail is based on the slasher film series “Wrong turn.” According to Thesing-Ritter, various scenes from the films will be shown in the barn.

The Event takes place on the 12th, 17th and 19th. and 24-26. October from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost is $20 per person or $18 for a non-perishable food item. It is not recommended for small children.

“The Haunted Barn is the best haunted event in the area and students rave about how much fun it is,” Thesing-Ritter said. “This year we’ve expanded the event to more areas on the farm and can’t wait to share it with the community.”

According to Thesing-Ritter, the CRP coordinators will help out in the stable as a scaremonger. The team is raising funds for their trips in 2025 so they can provide meals and activities to their classmates. They also coordinate bake sales and other events throughout the year to keep CRP affordable.

Students involved with UW-Eau Claire's Promote success Accordingly, the program will also volunteer as scary actors for a night at the Haunted Barn Fran Chesca Rileythe coordinator of the student union.

“It is my desire to give students full agency in their experience and simply support them in creating memories and new opportunities,” Riley said. “I think I’m most looking forward to watching the students connect with each other and get involved in the community.”

Fostering Success students work to raise money for the month Meaningful meals. Riley said they are also seeking funds for the campus store, which offers free hygiene, household and school supplies, as well as financial scholarships specifically for students in the program.

The Blugold Winter Watch will also work to raise money for their events.

Another event at Rockin' TR Ranch this month is Family fun daysThese include games, a corn maze, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving and painting, face painting and more.

This was added in the 2023 season to enable more daytime activities for families, said Thesing-Ritter.

“UW-Eau Claire students will also really enjoy the daytime activities on Saturdays and Sundays in October,” Thesing-Ritter said. “For just $10 admission, it’s a fun way to get off campus and enjoy fall fun in the Chippewa Valley.”

The Event is suitable for all ages; children under two years of age have free entry. It takes place on the 5th-6th, 12th-13th, 19th-20th. and October 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Thesing-Ritter, Field of Screams was able to donate Last year we donated 2,000 pounds of food and $5,000 to Feed My People, and the 4-H organizations used a portion of their proceeds to participate in service projects throughout the year.

“It’s a great, inexpensive way to get involved in the community,” Riley said. “The money raised not only goes toward some incredible programs, but also provides an opportunity to network at a fun event.”

Matczak can be reached at (email protected).