10/28 10:29pm Norfolk Community League and Norfolk Lions would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support of the 7th Annual Haunted Train Ride and Haunted Maze held on Saturday, October 18th at Holmes Field. After selling out the event during an advance sale of tickets, over 1400 riders came for the thrills and chills. The proceeds from this year's Haunted Train Ride and Haunted Maze will go to the upgrade of Kid's Place playground on Boardman Street and for home heating fuel assistance for needy Norfolk residents. First and foremost, we thank the entire Holmes Family. Without their generosity, this event would never take place. We thank them for the assistance in the set-up and cleanup of the event, for running the trains, and for the intrusion into their lives for the entire weekend. A community event such as this does not happen without the help of many groups. Our thanks go out to the pumpkin carvers whose creations helped to "fright the night". Groups that participated in pumpkin carving were Norfolk Cub Scouts Pack 80 and 125, Norfolk Girl Scouts, Norfolk Garden Club, and members of the community. The groups that help haunt the Train Ride were truly inspired and created the right atmosphere for the night. Thanks to Brian Hilfrank and John Jeffries, Norfolk Boy Scouts, Norfolk Lions, Norfolk Fire, Police and D.A.R.E., NCL's "Scary Men", King Philip Leos Club, Angelo, Alex and Harrison Quartarone's ode to Movie Horror Stars, Mary Wesalowski and friends, Girl Scout Troop 4748, and NCL. Our newest attraction, The Haunted Maze was the creation of the Norfolk Boy Scouts. The idea was developed by Scott Dittrich, and implemented by Joe Sebastiano, Tom Grant and Don Hanssen along with the Boy Scouts. They all worked hard to create a new scary adventure. The Boy Scouts and Lions then haunted it all night long! It was magnificent and their enthusiasm was top notch! We were grateful for donations by Flooring America, Trackside Propane, and Foxboro Electrical. Our thanks to the King Philip Chiefs Pop Warner Organization, Norfolk Fire Department and Norfolk DPW for the use of their portable lights to safely light the parking lots. Music was provided by Sean Markell of Franklin and "Pumpkin Man" helped to greet riders. We also thank many teenagers who earned community service hours for their various schools and churches by playing pirates, selling glow necklaces, lighting pumpkins and handing out candy to the kids in line. We thank riders for their donation of canned goods for the Norfolk Food Pantry. We were able to deliver a full truckload to the Pantry. Thanks also to Diane Hughes of Hughes Photography for capturing the spirit of the evening as well as NCTV for filming the event. Finally, a huge thank you to the Haunted Train Ride Committee, whose dedication to this event is year round. From logistics to creations and storage of the props, they (and their entire families) work on this tirelessly. The committee is Don Hanssen, Dave Lutes, Tracy Hilfrank, Tara Spellman, Scott Dittrich, Tom Grant, Joe Sebastiano, Frank Zolli, Linda Busby, Joan Piller, Barbara Snead, and Kerry DeVellis. We look forward to next year and new thrills and chills. Sincerely, The Haunted Train Committee Norfolk Community League Norfolk Lions Club - TMS Norfolknet.com your community, on-line