BOO KNOWS HALLOWEEN
Haunted activities planned in Rusk
STORY AND PHOTO: LELAND ACKER

As the weather cools down, ushering in the fall season, chills and thrills await Rusk residents with Halloween activities planned for the coming weeks.

Festivities begin with the Spook House tours at Rusk State Hospital. The tours will be held from 8-10 p.m. Oct. 25 and 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 26-27. Tickets cost $1 for children 6-12 years old and $2 for those 12 and older. The Spook House is too intense for children under six, but a waiting room will be provided. Information on Spook House is available at (903) 683-7247.

Visitors to the Spook House may want to cap off the evening with a ride on the Haunted Hayrides at the Rusk State Hospital Lake Park, located on U.S. 69 across from the main entrance to the state hospital.

The Haunted Hayrides will be from 7 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 27, and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 29-30. Tickets are $5 per person. Parents riding with their children will not be charged. The Haunted Hayrides are sponsored by Rusk Senior Finale. Information is available at (903) 683-5486.

Local businesses will offer children a safe place to trick or treat on Halloween. Trick or Treat Around the Square will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. This event is sponsored by the Rusk Chamber of Commerce.

The Fright Fest, originally scheduled for Oct. 31 at Jim Hogg Park has been cancelled.

Information on local Halloween activities is available at the Rusk Chamber of Commerce at (903) 683-4242.