Every year, the Temple Emporium transforms its grounds for the spooky season — and for a good cause.
For the next two Saturdays, Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, the Temple Emporium will host its annual Haunted Grounds Walk from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost of admission is a non-perishable food item or a cash donation, which will go to benefit the local food bank.
Transforming the grounds is a labor of love for Temple Emporium owner Jennifer Rheaume and her brother Steve Harling, who take up to a week before the walk opens to set up all of the attractions.
It was originally conceived as a bit of Halloween fun, and Rheaume initially opened the grounds for anyone who wanted to walk through, at no cost. But after two years, she decided to accept donations — of either food items or cash — to benefit the local food bank and do some good while having fun.
The haunted walk follows a low-lit path around the Emporium, winding past a doll graveyard, caged monsters, witches brewing potions and spooky tunnels filled with faux spiderwebs.
While it’s meant to create some Halloween chills, the walk is also designed to be family-friendly. Guides alert cast members if they are leading a group with children or adults who get too frightened.
The Haunted Grounds Walk is held at the Temple Emporium at 128 West Road in Temple.