PRESS PHOTOS BY DONNA GEWERTZAn excited group is ready for the creepy and scary characters that await them on Whitehall Township Fire Department’s Haunted Hayride in the Parkway, 4689 S. Church St. The annual event opened Oct. 3 and runs each Friday and Saturday night until Nov. 1. All proceeds benefit the fire department.

Jennifer, Liana and Jacob Shelly, of Northampton, enjoy the antics of firefighter Tim Vilbas, costumed as a scary pig while supplying some pre-hayride entertainment.

Opening night of the Haunted Hayride in the Parkway, Oct. 3, is well attended by thrill-seekers wanting to experience the annual haunted attraction.

The Wagner, Pacchioli and Frankenfield families, from Whitehall and Coplay, team up to scare those who dare to brave the “asylum.”

Henry, Evelyn and Justin Meihofer, of Coplay, buy their tickets from Terri Shambo and her husband, Deputy Chief Joseph Shambo, of the township fire department.

Students from Good Shepherd Catholic School, of Northampton, come as a group to experience the spooky haunts.

The Frisch and Hentz families, from Catasauqua and Coplay, take a “spooktacular” photo to commemorate their trip.