David Cottrell and his 19-year-old son, Dawson, are hosting the haunted trail at their Caledonia home for a final year before Dawson leaves for college.
Dawson was diagnosed with leukemia at age 5 and fought cancer for almost five years. David Cottrell said Dawson is now a cancer survivor, and the family describes the trail as a way to support others facing childhood cancer.
The trail began eight years ago as a free Halloween option on a street the family said was not ideal for trick-or-treating. Volunteer actors, including some of Dawson's friends, now staff the trail on the family's 1.5-acre property, and the walk takes only a few minutes.
Donations collected over the years have gone to Make-A-Wish, St. Jude and local families dealing with childhood cancer. The family is hoping this year's trail brings its total raised to $20,000.
The trail is free and is at 2828 5 1/2 Mile Road in Caledonia. It opens at dark on Oct. 30 and 31, and the family said the experience can be adjusted for all ages.
