Since its start in 2013, Alden’s annual Spooktacular event has become a beloved Halloween tradition that draws hundreds of families for a night of creativity, scares, and community spirit. Hosted by the Alden Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Spooktacular promotes a drug-free environment while providing loads of Halloween fun.

The event brings together a mix of Alden High School clubs, with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Student Ambassadors playing key roles in organizing. Other groups—like the Robotics Club and the Gamers Guild—join in to create interactive “Scenes in the Trail,” a series of Halloween-themed displays and performances that showcase the creativity of Alden’s students. From eerie lights to scare actors, each year brings fresh new scenes and characters to the trail. “We put so much time and energy into it,” Mrs. Mertz said. “It takes about a month to set everything up, but the result is worth it—over a thousand people have walked the trail in previous years!”

This year’s Spooktacular promises all the memorable thrills of previous years, with favorite returning scenes like the energetic pirates and a fan-favorite Beetlejuice character who nails the voice. Past scenes have included everything from the Jurassic Park dinosaurs to the lively cast of Coco, each bringing a unique twist to the Halloween experience. Whether guests are accompanied by trail guides or guided by scare actors in full costume, the attention to detail and enthusiasm make Spooktacular a standout event for all ages.

With more than 120 student volunteers putting in hours to perfect every aspect, Spooktacular truly exemplifies Alden’s community spirit. Whether you come for the costumes, the creativity, or just the chills, this annual event has become a can’t-miss tradition for the Alden community.