By Peri Kinder | [email protected]

For more than 40 years, Murray City’s Haunted Woods has provided thrills and chills to thousands of visitors. This year, the event will be held Oct. 24-26 at Murray City Park (296 E. Murray Park Ave.) on the south side of the outdoor swimming pool in pavilion No. 5.

The Haunted Woods is hosted by the Exchange Club of Murray and the Murray youth government, and is Utah’s first family-friendly haunted attraction. Visitors can choose the Silly Trail for younger guests from 5:30-7 p.m. or the Scary Trail from 7-9 p.m. for the more adventurous. Proceeds benefit organizations fighting child abuse and domestic violence in Utah.

“We have people calling from all over and we’ve already sold 1,000 tickets,” said Sheri Van Bibber, Murray youth advisor and head witch. “We sell out but we always take everybody that walks up.”

This year, the Haunted Woods has theme nights. Monday, Oct. 24 is Superhero Night; Tuesday, Oct. 25 is Disney Night; and Wednesday, Oct. 26 is Star Wars Night. Comic Con cosplayers, Miss Murray and the Ghostbusters club will also be in attendance, with a three-story marshmallow man and the Ectomobile.

Tickets are $5, with kids 3 and under free. Each ticket includes a cup of hot chocolate and a doughnut at the end of the trail. Visit HauntedWoodsMurray.com for tickets and more information.

“It's really super-fun and it’s so much more ramped up this year,” Van Bibber said. “Spread the word and bring friends. People tend to go through it many times. We’ve done it for years and it’s just grown every year. We also have treats afterwards, but only if they survive.”