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Haunted Barn at fairgrounds has old favorites, new frights

By TERRI CASTELAZ, Staff Writer 5 min read

NORWAY -- Something wicked is stirring at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Norway, where the Haunted Barn is getting ready to unleash a fresh batch of frights, creepy new scenes and plenty of Halloween surprises.

The group Friends of the Dickinson County Fair is bringing back the attraction for its 10th year, welcoming its first guests of 2026 this weekend.

The Haunted Barn will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24; and Friday, Oct. 30. They will have special hours and events on Halloween, Oct. 31.

Admission is $5 per person from 5 to 6 p.m., when there will be no live props, and $10 after 6 p.m., when they will feature live props for an extra scare.

The spooky pathway on the upper level of the main exhibition building has undergone some changes for the new season.

"We reworked the front entrance and revamped the trail and many of the designs, so it's going to feel like a new experience," Friends of the Fair President Tricia Cayemberg said.

Attendees will make their way through the dark trail that extends the entire top floor of the building. "It's roughly the length of two football fields and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk through without live props," she said.

During live-prop hours, costumed characters will be lurking, ready to pop out and give visitors an unexpected scare as they make their journey. Several college students are returning this year to help bring the spooky scenes to life.

Some of the new additions include a witch scene, a wedding scene and large haunted trees.

Cayemberg noted that some of the proceeds from last year's event were used to purchase several new props to help with the redesign of the Haunted Barn.

"If you enjoyed it last year, you'll enjoy it again this year," she said.

Activities extend beyond the haunted pathway. Guests can take wagon rides, visit photo-op areas and gather around a bonfire to warm up between activities.

The Friends of the Fair have invited area businesses, organizations and groups to get involved by purchasing a campsite to decorate with their own haunted themes. For $25, participants can transform a site into a spooky display using props and decorations while showcasing their business or organization.

"It's a great opportunity to promote their business while supporting the fair and be part of a great community event," she said.

A tractor and trailer will travel through the decorated campsites each night, giving visitors a chance to see the displays.

"They are also welcome to hand out treats to the kids," Cayemberg said.

Several campsites are already set up and decorated, but they hope to get more involved. Camping will be available during the October event.

The project is part of the organization's effort to expand the Haunted Barn and encourage greater community involvement.

"Our goal is to make this event bigger," Cayemberg said. "We hope it becomes a fall version of the Lights at the Lake event."

The Halloween fun continues on Saturday, Oct. 31, with a trunk-or-treat event from 4 to 6 p.m.

Families can walk through the Haunted Barn without live props during those hours, giving younger visitors a chance to experience the adventure without the added scares.

Businesses, organizations and community groups are encouraged to take part by decorating their vehicles and hand out candy during the trunk-or-treat.

"It creates a safe and fun experience for the families," Cayemberg said. "It's another way to get involved."

Later that evening, the fairgrounds will host the second annual Hide and Seek from the Police, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Participants must preregister with the Dickinson County Sheriff's Department.

"Halloween will be a pretty busy night out here," Cayemberg said.

The 906 Pop Culture truck will also be on site, serving specialty holiday menu items.

The friends are still seeking additional food truck vendors to take part during the fall tradition at the fairgrounds.

Vendors will be able to set up near the Haunted Barn during event nights, she said.

Cayemberg noted they plan to have pumpkins available for purchase as well.

Guests are asked to enter the Haunted Barn at the back of the building, across from the animal barns. All ages are welcome.

The Haunted Barn serves as a new fundraiser for the Friends of the Dickinson County Fair. In 2025, the Friends of the Fair purchased the collection of props and costumes from original co-creator Missy Dierkens-Spade and her mother, Mary Dierkens-Clark, after they decided to discontinue hosting the event.

Proceeds go towards improvements and upkeep at the fairgrounds.

"One of our main goals this year is to get the rotunda painted," she said.

Businesses, organizations and community groups interested in decorating a campsite, as well as food truck vendors wanting to participate, can contact Cayemberg through the Friends of the Dickinson County Fair Facebook page.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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