Bakersville was brought back in 2019. This year marks the second year of timed carts. [Submitted photo]

In 2019, Bakersville, the scary haunted hayrack ride through Baker Park, was resurrected after a 10-year hiatus, but the event has been tweaked and this year will mark the second year for timed carts.

The event is set for this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 14. Hayracks will go out every 12 minutes like clockwork. The first rack is scheduled to leave the start of the haunted loop at 7 pm. The last rack will go out at 11:48 pm, said Beth Kelley, one of the four committee members who have organized the event this year. Also on the committee are Kelsey Neels, Leslie Ryan and Cas Swearingen.

Unlike other years, there is no theme for this year’s Halloween ride. Kelley said a theme makes it challenging for volunteers to coordinate their skits and performances. Dozens of volunteers will offer jump scares, as well as funny and spooky skits. For Bakersville 2023, it’s anyone’s guess what will be in store.

“So people can really be surprised. You never know what is going to come up around the turn of the park this year,” said Kelley.

Returning to the event will be past groups such as the Kewanee High School Poms. The KHS Key Club, KHS FFA, the Wethersfield High School Band, and Sarah Oldeen’s tumbling group will also perform.

Take the haunted hayrack ride though Baker Park, if you dare. [Submitted photo]

S’mores packets and hot chocolate will be available at the 19th Hole restaurant and attendees can roast marshmallows outside at designated fire pits set up by the Kewanee Park District. Rosa Rushing will also provide cotton candy at her booth.

Kelley said the event couldn’t happen if it weren’t for the Executive Director of Parks Andrew Dwyer and the Kewanee Park District.

“We couldn’t do this without them,” she said.

No theme this year means you never know what’s up ahead. [Submitted photo]

Tickets have been on sale at various locations throughout Kewanee and in September, online tickets were offered. Already around six to seven time slots have been sold out. But Kelley said there are still seats available in the 9 to 11 pm hours. With each rack accommodating 25 riders and with five racks per hour, the committee expects over 600 people to take the chilling ride through the park on Saturday.

Pre-sale tickets can be purchased for $10 Monday through Thursday at Edward Jones-Mike Miler located at 204 N. Tremont St. Tuesday and Thursday; tickets can be bought at the 19th Hole restaurant at Baker Park from 6 to 8 pm. They can also be found at the Park District office on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.