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SALINEVILLE -- Area families looking to have some Halloween fun together are invited to two events to be held Oct. 29 on Southern Local Schools' campus.
Southern Local High School will become a Haunted High School from 6 to 8 p.m. that day through the efforts of members of the senior class.
And the Southern Local Touchdown Club, a group that raises funds for the high school's football team and cheerleading squad, will present a Track or Treat event at the school's athletic track, rain or shine, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the same evening.
Bob Shansky, adviser for the senior class, noted Haunted High School began as a fundraiser for last year's junior class.
The group filled the school's halls with scenes inspired by horror movies, ghost stories and their own wild imaginations.
Shansky said it was so successful that a number of its organizers, now seniors, decided to hold it again with support from Southern Local school officials.
Shansky said the $5 admission will be used to provide all members of the Class of 2027 with a T-shirt bearing their signatures, with any remaining proceeds applied to the class' annual trip to Cedar Point.
Shansky said Mikie Peters, a teacher at the school, is overseeing the students behind this year's effort, but Peters stressed they are doing all of the work.
"They're really taking the initiative. This is really a good group," she said as the students worked on scenery after school one day.
Among them was Trace Savin, senior class vice president, who said about 260 children and adults attended last year's event.
Savin said there will be scenes for all ages, with areas geared to various age groups.
Fellow senior classman Layla McCauley said she and others have planned the costumes they will wear as characters in the scenes and are looking forward to it.
Savin said the Haunted High School will consist of sections that can be assembled easily because the group will have only a few hours between the school day and the event to set them up.
"Everything has to be a unit so we can set it up right away," he said.
Savin is hopeful for a strong turnout because the event will coincide this year with the Track-or-Treat held by the Touchdown Club.
The group has been recruiting local businesses and other groups to man tables along the athletic track at Wigwam Stadium and distribute candy to young trick or treaters.
Gary See, the club's treasurer, said 18 groups have committed to providing booths and there will be one where children may have their photos taken in costume.
He noted there's still space available, and those interested in participating should bring their own table and contact the club through its Facebook page.
"I've been told at least a few are setting up tents and going all out with decorations," said See.
The group raises funds for the high school's varsity and junior varsity football teams and cheerleading squad through the year.
But See said there is no cost to participate in the Track or Treat because the club simply wanted to bring the community together for a family-friendly event.
There also will be four food trucks outside the school with fare for children and adults: Boujee Bites & Bubbles, Big Woo's BBQ, Miller's Pretzels and Rustic Roast Coffee.