Wicked Woods: A Halloween Staple in College Station
It’s an exciting time of year in College Station, Texas! As the leaves begin to change and spooky decorations fill the streets, a certain tradition has made its way back into town, attracting thrill-seekers from near and far. We’re talking about the Wicked Woods, hosted by the Kappa Sigma fraternity, a Halloween event that has grown into a beloved staple for the community.
From Humble Beginnings to Halloween Haven
Launched a remarkable 26 years ago, Wicked Woods started as a simple spooky trail but has blossomed into an elaborate horror experience enjoyed by thousands. Each Halloween season, around 5,000 brave souls wander the eerie paths, ready to encounter chilling creatures and heart-stopping surprises. This year, the event ran from October 24 to October 31, with all proceeds benefiting local charities like the Military Heroes Campaign and the Brazos Valley Food Bank.
A Charitable Cause with a Spooktacular Twist
As the chilling night air is filled with screams that echo through the forest, you’ll find a delightful twist at the entry: guests can bring canned food items to receive a discount on admission. Nuclear engineering junior Christian Smith, who took charge as the philanthropy chair for the fraternity, shared how those cans have already made a big impact. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure the organizations we donate to are well-off and are supported,” he emphasized, making it clear that while screams may ring out, the heart of this event is to help others.
Creating Fear Like Never Before
This year brought thrilling new changes to the Wicked Woods experience, with a focus on adding complex and immersive elements. “A huge part of this is focusing on time management and making sure we have everything done before opening night,” Smith explained. The fraternity worked hard, brainstorming and crafting features that would surprise returning guests and leave newcomers gasping.
As you traverse the twists and turns of the forest, you’ll find yourself in areas crafted for maximum scare potential: open spaces paired with eerie structures creaked and moaned as visitors walked by. “Shadows loom in the dark alleyways where monsters wait behind black tarp walls, ready to leap out,” shared Smith, making it sound like a scene straight from a horror film!
A Community of Monsters
Behind the fearsome facade of Wicked Woods is a dedicated crew of about 230 Kappa Sigma brothers, each one doing their part to ensure a spine-chilling success. From gathering supplies to creating terrifying setups, Daniel O’Loughlin, a finance sophomore and seasoned Wicked Woods veteran, has taken on numerous frightful roles, including dressing up as a clown and prowling graveyards.
“This year has been great,” O’Loughlin said, excitement evident in his voice. “Everyone came together to bring this event to life and I love seeing people get scared.” It’s that sense of camaraderie and community spirit that keeps the event buzzing year after year.
A Family Affair
The mention of Wicked Woods attracts families eager for a bit of festive fright. Bryan resident Brittany Ofczarzak brought her two young boys to experience the magical terror of the haunted trails, and she couldn’t have been more thrilled. “It’s fun enough for the little ones, and it’s scary enough for the big ones,” she said, a smile lighting up her face. “We would definitely come back!”
Conclusion: A Must-See Event
Whether it’s the haunted maze or the capturing scenes in the torturous jail, Wicked Woods promises a jolt of joy and fright for everyone involved. Every year, it continues to draw in crowds who love a good scare while supporting meaningful causes. “I want people to come out and have a fun time and know that this event is for a good cause,” Smith said, wrapping it all together in a heartfelt bow.
So if you’re in the College Station area next Halloween, be sure not to miss out on this exhilarating haunted experience that combines fear with philanthropy. After all, what could be more thrilling than being scared silly while giving back to the community?
