Old Town Haunted Hayride
Old Town Dayton was alive with ghostly energy on Thursday, Oct. 30, as the Historical Society of Dayton Valley hosted its Annual Haunted Hayride. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., brave guests climbed aboard "hay wagons" pulled by steady steeds (well, pickup trucks!) for a spine-tingling ride through historic downtown, stopping at some of the most legendary locations to hear tales from the past—and a few eerie encounters from the present.
A steady line of festive folks waited for their turn to climb aboard the haunted caravan and enjoy the ride to several spooky stops, including the Dayton Township Justice Court, the Union Hotel, The Odeon, the Dayton Valley Community Center, and the home of Fanny G. Hazlett, one of Dayton’s most fascinating historic figures. With every stop, costumed storytellers brought Dayton’s colorful—and sometimes chilling—history to life.
The Shady Lane Dayton Museum was open throughout the evening, welcoming visitors inside for treats and history displays; while out back, families enjoyed games and laughter.
Mother Nature was in the Halloween spirit too, offering a crisp autumn evening and a spectacular sunset to top it off. To keep the chill at bay during the dark hours, Country Financial was on-site serving up hot beverages with a smile.
Whether guests came for the scares or the stories, hopefully everyone left with a deeper appreciation for Dayton’s rich (and haunted) past.
For museum hours, upcoming events, and even more tales from beyond the veil, visit hsdv.org.
