Keystone gearing up for Halloween

Keystone is poised to become the Halloween headquarters of the Black Hills with several events taking place throughout the month.

The fun kicks off Oct. 11 with the first night of the Haunting of Keystone, a tradition in the tiny town for 14 years.

The event takes place on weekends Oct. 11-13, Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27.

Prices vary depending on what night people choose or if they choose to bundle their experience or just visit one attraction.

As always The Haunting of Keystone takes place at three locations—  Rushmore Cave and Adventure Park, Big Thunder Gold Mine and the Keystone Museum and Schoolhouse.

Rushmore Cave Owner Tom Hagen saud “this year’s attraction, The Void, marks a departure from the traditional horror theme we’ve showcased in past years at the cave. Instead, we’re tapping into the natural fears that come with being underground. By manipulating light and shadow, sound and silence, and playing on the fear of the unknown, we aim to intensify the tension for our visitors.”

Hagen says that guests will, “find themselves constantly on edge, anticipating what lurks in the next shadow or around the next corner. And, of course, our talented actors will bring those fears to life. Expect plenty of screams—and a lot of running—at the cave this year.”

Sandi McLain, who owns Big Thunder Gold Mine,  said the Old West Horror is Gruesome Legends of Keystone theme. There are “six  legends that are true and all based on history in Keystone,” McLain said. She said a lot of research went into each one. Some come from hangings, drownings or ghostly experiences that have been verified from historical  reports.

McLain said this will be the “scariest true experience we have performed.”

The Keystone Museum and Schoolhouse, always the fan favorite of the Haunting patrons, will  feature a Nightmares on 3rd Street theme. In order to not limit the creativity of the organizers and actors, things will be broader than normal.

Patty Songstad said “the 125-year-old schoolhouse has 15 rooms of terror that will keep you awake at night. Every room will take you on a journey through chaos, sure to spark fear.” 

Songstad, whose family is involved in the production, adds “expect the unexpected with some returning favorites, with a twist, as well as plenty of new frights  to keep you on your toes.”

As always, a portion of the proceeds from the Haunting of Keystone will go back into the community. This year some proceeds will go to the First Congregational Church, the  town cemetery fence and the  Keystone Museum and Schoolhouse.

The Haunting of Keystone will host  a  free  zombies and monsters parade Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at the Keystone Mall and travel down Madill Street to the Keystone Community Center (KCC). Afterwards children and adults alike can enjoy a spooky trunk or treat, a costume contest and free roller skating session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the KCC.

The Haunting of Keystone is also sponsoring a business and resident Halloween Decorating Contest with winners being announced Oct. 19. Businesses will feature dead stock merchandise sales with city-wide specials all day Oct. 12.