Enchanted Halloween Trail Returns

NEWS RELEASE

Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center

9325 South Alda Road

Wood River, NE 68883

For Immediate Release / Contact: Brad Mellema (308) 382-1820

October 10, 2012

Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center Opens

Enchanted Halloween Trail for Kids, Families and Fun!

Wood River, Neb–The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center is offering a wildly entertaining way for kids and their families to have more fun with nature on its Enchanted Halloween Trail along the Platte. This year’s enchanted trail is open for three consecutive nights, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 24-26 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. The center and its trail are located on the south side of I-80 at Alda (exit #305).

The Enchanted Halloween Trail is ideal for families with children 12 and under. Visitors take a guided tour along a ¾-mile trail on the prairie, marked by more than 100 “candle-lit” jack-o-lanterns. Along the way they’ll discover nine fully costumed enchanted characters: like the great horned owl, dancing sandhill crane, big brown bat, grumpy bridge troll and giant garden spider—each with a friendly fun-filled skit that’s guaranteed to bring a smile.

“This is a fantastic way for young children and their families to go ‘wild’ this time of year for an evening of wonderful family fun on the prairie,” says Brad Mellema, Director of the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center. “The trail itself takes about 45 minutes to complete, and we have lots of other ‘spirited’ happenings to make it an incredibly fun Halloween night for all!”

Admission for the enchanted evening is $7.00 per person, with children 3 and under admitted free. Admission includes:

·       ¾-mile enchanted trail lined with “candle-lit” jack-o-lanterns

·       Nine friendly enchanted characters and fun-filled skits

·       Popcorn, hot chocolate, apple cider and trick ‘r treats

·       Spirited campfire with songs, storytellers and s’mores

·       Creature feature movies playing inside all night! (G-rated)

The Crimson Crown Gift Shop will also be open throughout the event for early holiday shopping.

Proceeds from the event will be used to support the nature and visitor center and the preservation of habitat for cranes and other migratory birds along the Platte. Those wishing to support the event can also sponsor trailside pumpkins with a donation of $5 each. 

Tickets can be purchased the night of the event at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The first group will start the trail at 6:30 p.m. with the last group entering at 9:00 p.m. Footwear suitable for hiking and warm clothing are recommended. Strollers are not recommended unless designed for open terrain. For more information, call (308) 382-1820.

The Crane Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of habitat for cranes and other migratory birds along the Platte River through science, habitat management, community outreach and education.