The Carterville Lions Club held their annual “Haunted Hayride” this past weekend. A tradition where members of the community join together to scare those who dare ride through the backwoods of Canon Park. 

This year, the high school art club continued their role in the hayride showing off their latest creations. This year the club’s big theme was clowns. Art teacher Bruce Breeden, and his students all chipped in to create all the props that were used to bring the horror to life. 

As part of the decor, the art classes teamed together to make a giant jack in the box to serve as their main prop. Inside the box allowed room for the scare actors to hide until their big reveal where they jumped out and ran at the passengers. Prop designer Carterville High School senior Merrick Orendoff said, “Man I love building, getting to make the clown masks has been one of my favorite things we have done this year.” 

The CHS art club students did a great job of carrying on the tradition this year and pulling off one of their best scares yet. Art Club member, sophomore Aubrey Konstantopoulos also said “I really look forward to it every year and it is a great way to spend time with friends and feel connected to the community.”

Overall, this yearly tradition, originally created by the Carterville Lions Club, never fails to bring joy and fear into the hearts of Carterville. With the help from the art club, this year was one of the best haunts yet.