Haunted Train Ride Norfolk Community League and Norfolk Lions would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support of the 6th Annual Haunted Train and Hay Ride held on Saturday, October 13th at Holmes Field. After selling out the event during an advance sale of tickets, the lines were more manageable and shorter! Over 1200 riders came for the thrills and chills of the Haunted Train and Hay Ride. The proceeds from this year's Haunted Train and Hay Ride will go to the Norfolk Food Pantry and upgrade of the Norfolk Softball field. First and foremost, we thank the entire Holmes Family. Without their generous donation of the trains this event would never take place. We thank them for the assistance in the set-up and cleanup of the event and for the intrusion 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, Norfolk Girl's Softball 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 Norfolk Boy Scouts, Norfolk Lions, Norfolk Fire and Police Department, Norfolk D.A.R.E., NCL's "Scary Men", King Philip Leos Club, Stony Brook, Carol Ann Ramos, Angelo and Alex Quartarone's ode to Movie Horror Stars, Mary Wesalowski and friends, and NCL. Our Haunted Hay Ride this year was the creation of the girls from Norfolk Girls Softball's senior leagues. Under the direction of Dawne Galetta, Ann Marie Norman, and Brian Hilfrank, the girls created a Haunted Sports Story completed with the "Field of Screams", a football game, hockey scene and zombie softball game. It was magnificent and their enthusiasm was top notch! Our thanks to the NMM Vikings Pop Warner organization, Norfolk Fire Department and the Norfolk DPW for the use of their portable lights to safely light the parking lots and exits. Music was provided by T& T Entertainment and "Pumpkin Man" and "Pumpkin Jr." helped to greet riders. Dunkin' Donuts on Main Street donated the coffee and condiments, while Trackside Gas in Walpole donated the propane gas for the concession stand. We also thank many teenagers who helped out and earned community service hours for their various schools and churches. We thank riders for their donation of canned goods for the Norfolk Food Pantry. We were able to deliver a truck full to the Pantry. Thanks to the Norfolk Lions for running the parking lots and concession stand, and the NCL crews who directed cars, loaded and unloaded the Train and Hay Rides. 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 Scott Dittrich, Tracy Hilfrank, Tara Spellman, Tom Grant, Don Hanssen, Joe Sebastiano, Craig Koch, Davis Lutes, Stephen McDonough, Joan Piller, Barbara Snead, Marie Chifolo, and Kerry DeVellis. We look forward to next year and new thrills and chills. Happy Halloween to all! Sincerely, The Haunted Train and Hay Ride Committee Norfolk Community League Norfolk Lions Club 11/15/2007 ### Norfolknet.com your community, on-line