Q&A with Haunted Trail Director, Samuel Jack

Whether you want to be scared this Halloween or enjoy family-friendly trick-or-treating, we've got an event for you!

The Not-So-Spooky Trail and Maze will take place Saturday, October 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. This event is open to all ages and features games, prizes, a fun maze, caricature artist, and trick-or-treating.

Then, when night falls, it's time for the Haunted Trail. It will take place the same day from 8:00 to 10:00 PM and is recommended for ages 10 and up. It's frightfully fun!

Both events benefit the Children's Advocacy Center of Denton County, so come out and bring your friends! For ticket information, please visit www.highlandshores.net/lifestyle.

When asked about his first memory of Haunted Trail, Creative Director Samuel Jack said he first heard about the Haunted Trails in 2010 when it was known as ‘The Carnival of Ashes’. He recalled, "A friend of mine was one of the actors, and it sounded like a blast. So, I attended the trail as an attendee with my family. With it being my first haunted house experience ever, I absolutely loved it. I remember running out of the end of the trail, screaming and laughing, wanting to immediately sign up for the next year as an actor."

He signed on as an actor in 2011 with the theme of ‘Grimm Fairy Tales’. Over the next few years, he attended as an actor, volunteer, and designer. "My first official year for directing was in 2016 during the theme ‘Freak Show’. Since then, I have been the Head Creative Director and designer for the Haunted Trails and hope to continue to do so in the future!"

Jack said, "We’ve pulled out all the stops for this years theme ‘The Dead Man’s Curse’. We’ve taken months of planning and care and created the best trail we can with our talented designers. From set design, to costuming, to the performances, everything is crafted to scare. We have an incredible team of actors and builds for this year that will be sure to give everyone thrills! And, with such an iconic theme, people are sure to love it."

When asked to describe this year's Haunted Trail in three words, Jack remarks, "Zombie. Nightmare. Extravaganza."

Jack ends with, "Halloween has been a fantastic way for the community to come together. From trick-or-treating and scary movies, it has always had a place in our community and in my heart. The Children's Advocacy Center not only demonstrates the tremendous love and dedication this town has, but aids such a fantastic cause. It means the absolute world to me that the whole community can bond together and support this amazing charity."