Every October, the Whitehall Fire Department transforms the township Parkway into a frightful Halloween nightmare of sorts - a Haunted Hayride held Friday and Saturday nights.

“We work up different scenes every year,” said Matt Matika, a volunteer firefighter with the Hokendauqua station. “I ask members of the fire department to volunteer as scene leaders. They take it from there, adding in their own ideas.”

Matika acts as coordinator of the annual event.

“I have a scene that I’m working on, too,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, and I’m fortunate that I have my family to help with the process.”

Many firefighters enlist their friends to help build the sets and perform during the hayride.

“It’s a fun event and teaches our firefighters how to work together,” Matika said.

The Haunted Hayride is held 7-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 28.

“The ride takes about 45 minutes. And it gets better every year,” said Matika.

There is a cost, as this is a major fundraiser for the fire department.

The township allows the fire department to use the Parkway at no cost.

“We need to give our thanks to Whitehall (Township) Parks and Recreation (Department) for all [its] help in getting this done,” Matika said.

“So much of the success depends on the weather and the football games. We hope for the best weather every weekend,” Matika said, but added, “it is a scary ride even when it rains.”

The Haunted Hayride attracts people from Whitehall and neighboring towns. Often times, there are visitors from well outside the area.

“We always get a few people wandering in from New Jersey because they heard of the event or know someone in the area,” Matika said.

The ride is popular, and there is sometimes a wait. Be warned - there are a few spooky surprises until the next hay wagon shows up.