October 21, 2014

Touch of Nature will host annual ‘Haunted Hollow’

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- There will be fun for all ages at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s sixth annual Haunted Hollow. 

The popular family festival at the Touch of Nature Environmental Center is from 1 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 2. Families and children are invited. Touch of Nature is about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road. The event will go on, rain or shine, so organizers encourage participants to dress accordingly for the weather. 

A haunted hayride, interpretive nature walks, a costume parade, and pumpkin decorating are just a few of the planned activities. There will also be carnival-style events and children’s games, and those attending will get to learn about snakes and other creatures. 

A parent or guardian should accompany children. Touch of Nature is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.  

The deadline for advance registration is Oct. 31. Tickets are $7 for those ages 14 and older and $5 for children ages 6-13. Children age five and younger are free. To register, call 618/453-1121. 

Walk-in participants are welcome the day of the Haunted Hollow. Admission at that time, payable by cash only, is $11 for those 14 and older and $7 for children ages 6-13. 

For more information, visit www.ton.siu.edu