The Haunted Trail will have such sights to show you!

The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Marshalltown will host the Haunted Trail Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and staff are actively searching for groups to design scare zones.

ARL Executive Director Austin Gillis said the Halloween trail will be designed to thrill, engage and support animal welfare.

“Each scare zone is built by a different group, creating a walk-through attraction full of creativity, fright, and friendly competition — all benefiting the ARL of Marshalltown,” he said.

The groups will be assigned a dedicated outdoor area along the trail behind the shelter. Since the ARL has more than 16 acres, Gillis said they are able to host the event without disturbing the animals in their care.

“Their comfort and safety remain our top priority,” he said.

There is no specific footage, but boundaries will be marked to ensure each group gets a fair amount of space and can do a safe setup. There is one boundary on creativity and theme — the pet cemetery is off limits.

“It’s not a prop — it’s a place of peace,” he said. “We are deeply committed to honoring our past fluffy family members and allowing them to rest without disturbance.”

Gillis said otherwise they are open to all kinds of spooky creativity.

“Whether it’s a haunted carnival, eerie asylum, ghostly forest or something entirely original, we want groups to let their Halloween imaginations run wild,” he said. “For example, someone might set up a wrecked bus and build a haunted junkyard — a gritty immersive zone full of industrial decay and unexpected frights. We’re not naming names, but if Lonnie Hogeland happens to read this . . . Well, we think it’s a pretty great idea.”

To make the event fun for all ages, Gillis said they are dividing it into two parts.

“This format allows families to enjoy the early evening and thrill seekers to dive into the darker side of Halloween once the sun goes down,” he said.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the trail will be dedicated to trunk or treat and a fun zone. Any and all trunk or treaters are invited to participate and compete for the best overall trunk prize.

“Perfect for younger kids, families and anyone who enjoys the spooky season without the full fright,” he said.

The ARL is also looking for face painters, tiny pumpkins to decorate and other festive activities to add color before the screaming starts. Because after 7 p.m. is when the horror begins for older youth and adults. Folks might be too scared to close their eyes, and too scared to open them. It all depends on the fright the zone groups bring.

“Groups are encouraged to go big — suspenseful, theatrical, eerie,” Gillis said. “We ask that zones avoid extreme gore or trauma triggers, but otherwise, let the frights fly.”

An overall winner for the best scary zone will be chosen by those brave enough to make their way through the trail. They can answer “What’s your favorite scary zone?” by casting a vote. Gillis said the group with the most votes wins the prize pot and serious bragging rights. The total pot amount is at least $2,000, and is growing. It will be split between the zone winner claiming 75 percent and the trunk or treat winner receiving 25 percent.

“This structure celebrates both creativity and community engagement — whether you’re building a haunted masterpiece or decking out your trunk with spooky flair, you’re in the running for real rewards,” he said.

There will not be a fee to compete, but the ARL is requiring a fully refundable $250 reservation deposit from each participating group. That helps ensure the groups are committed and will be present the night of the event. Details on the deposit will be given at the Oct. 23 mandatory planning meeting at the ARL.

The first step is for a group to submit a short written proposal or a video pitch on the zone they wish to create.

“We’re looking for creativity, clarity and feasibility,” Gilis said. “Pitches should include a theme, rough layout and any special effects or planned props.”

Proposals can be emailed to director@ARLMarshalltown.com. Gillis added a better way would be for the proposal to be pitched to him in person at the ARL, as they love face-to-face creativity.

“We’d love to make this an annual tradition,” he said. “Whether it returns next year will depend on turnout, community interest and sponsor support. If this year’s trail is a hit — and we believe it will be — we’ll absolutely explore bringing it back.”

Gillis views the Haunted Trail as more than just another Halloween event.

“It’s a celebration of creativity, community and compassion,” he said. “Whether you’re building a zone, sponsoring the prize, decorating a trunk or just coming to be scared, you’re helping animals and families in Marshalltown. We can’t wait to see what you conjure up.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.