Kreher Preserve offering Nature Nightmares hikes
BY AUDREY KENT
FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Nature Nightmares is back at Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center.
The haunted forest event for teens and adults will be open Friday & Saturday, Oct. 27-28, from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Nature Nightmares is a self-guided hike for those ages 13 and up. The hiking trails will be dimly lit or not all, with volunteer cast members stationed throughout the forest with costumes and props to engage and frighten visitors. The event will contain high-impact scares, fog, strobe lights and theatrical smells that may not be suitable for people with epilepsy, pregnant women or those with a heart condition or mobility challenges.
“Nature Nightmares is the most terrifying experience local to Auburn,” said Kreher Center Manager Michael Buckman. “We have a great set of actors for the various performances this year. We are lengthening the hike a little bit, maybe about 10% longer than last year, and we’re adding a few more scenes and monsters along the trail. So, it’s going to be pretty cool.
“With the lights off, the forest is pitch black — every little sound or shadow will make you jump,” Buckman said. “Nature Nightmares will be a great addition to the haunted events in our area, and it’s sure to frighten even the boldest among us. We’ll have zombies, witches, wraiths and all kinds of haunting surprises.”
Nature Nightmares’ cast will not, however, include any representations of animals or plants.
“We don’t want people to be afraid of the forest — it’s not inherently a scary place and we want people to be comfortable going into the forest, even at night,” Buckman explained. “So, we are avoiding any animals or plants in our horrifying cast. We are also making sure that none of the Nature Nightmares props are visible during the day, so our day visitors can continue to hike without fear.”
The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College St. in Auburn. Hikes will depart from the main pavilion at seven-minute intervals beginning at 7:30 p.m. The last hike of the night will depart at 11 p.m.
The hikes last 35 to 45 minutes, and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a low-light flashlight.
Tickets are $12, and participants must be at least 13 years of age. Anyone under age 19 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased in advance at www.aub.ie/naturenightmares.
This event will be postponed or cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Notifications will be posted via the KPNC website and Facebook page.
Community theatre to present live Edgar Allen Poe radio show
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — The Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) will present “Twisted Tales of Poe” Oct. 28-31.
Select stories from Edgar Allen Poe will be shared in the form of a staged radio drama, compete with live sound effects and music, just like the hey-day of American radio programs of the 1940s. Witness “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amomtillado,” “The Black Cat” and “The Raven” all come to life before your eyes and ears.
Originally produced by public television station KTWU in Kansas, “Twisted Tales of Poe” has been performed throughout North America.
“This experience is a lot of ‘firsts’ for us — our first time staging stories by Poe, our first time at the University Chapel and our first Halloween performance,” said Terry Kelley, AACT president and director of the show.
“I think people will really enjoy these classic America horror stories. I think we forget how creepy-good Poe is. It’s always exciting and challenging to perform in a new space, and this chapel has its own ghost story — a bonus ghost. I look forward to people coming out and enjoying the experience.”
Performance times are Saturday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 p.m. and Halloween night, Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 8:30 p.m. following the downtown Auburn Trick-or-Treat.
All shows will be at the Auburn University Chapel, located at 139 S. College St.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors. Parental guidance is suggested, and costumes are encouraged.
Call (334) 246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.
AACT is a nonprofit volunteer organization. AACT offers multiple opportunities to get involved and depends on the time and energy of community volunteers. Please visit www.auburnact.org to find the volunteer interest form or email info@auburnact.org to get involved.
Follow AuburnACT on Facebook or keep up to date at www.AuburnACT.org for the latest information on auditions, volunteer opportunities, tickets and more.
Opelika Villains Ball is Friday
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Time to dust off your fangs and get your costume ready — the Opelika Villains Ball is back.
The annual event, hosted by Heritage House, will be held Friday, Oct. 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Railyard at John Emerald Distillery in downtown Opelika.
The event will feature classic jazz & blues music by The Secret Sounds, a dance party brought to you by SammyD and performers from Brenna Ballet Institute, Auburn Tango Group and Zephyr Embers. It will include Spooky party décor from Heritage House event team, bar by John Emerald Distillery, kettle corn from Big Top Concessions and non-alcoholic refreshments from Grandma Val’s Lemonade.
All costumes are welcome, no need to be a villain. The best costume will win a $100 cash prize.
Tickets cost $35 and are available at www.universe.com/events/opelika-villains-ball-tickets-5VG2MB. This is a 19+ event. ID will be checked at the door. Volunteer opportunities are available at hello@heritagehouse1913.com.
There will be an official after party at Rock ‘N Roll Pinball, located at 815 W. Railroad Ave.