“A Nightmare in Waimea” opens tonight and runs on Friday and Saturday evenings at Waimea Athletic Field.
“This is the eighth year we’re doing this,” said James Henriques of The Tow Truck.
Admission is via a canned good that will be collected and distributed to local community food-pantry programs. The canned good entitles the bearer to one trip through the maze. Additional trips require additional canned goods.
A non-scary version of the haunted maze is available from 5 to 8 each night. Kapi‘olani Ching, an organizer, suggested this is for those who are squeamish.
“There are no people inside,” she said. “To make it interesting, we’re also creating a scavenger hunt for those who are able to seek out the hunt items while negotiating the maze. People are able to download the scavenger hunt on their mobile device by visiting our Nightmare in Waimea Instagram account.”
From 8 to 10 each night, the haunted village maze goes unbridled for those who are courageous enough to attempt the more than 2,000 feet of fright-night fun.
“The maze layout is slightly different this year, with one half of the maze being much narrower than last year,” Ching said. “This will help us create more of an element of surprise as maze-goers will have to turn tight corners and walk through narrow pathways.”
Outside of the maze, there will be movies on the lawn after the sun goes down, a photo booth and food. The Zumba Zombies also make an appearance Friday and Saturday.
“We have a handful of nonprofit and local businesses selling food and snacks with the profits going back to the vendors in support of their fundraising efforts,” Ching said.
This event is hosted by volunteers. Some of the groups benefiting from the proceeds include St. Theresa Church, Nana’s House, and the Kekaha Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
