Fayetteville has a colorful history, but what you may not know is that it is also spooky. In and around downtown Fayetteville, there are many buildings that have historical signi茀cance and more than a few ghosts. One of the most accurate and entertaining ways to learn about Fayetteville’s spooky history is through the Historic Hauntings Hayride.

Historic Hauntings has been a fun and educational tradition for several years. This year’s ride is a very special one, however.

“This year is very different. We have written a different script that we have never done before. It is not concentrating on downtown and the Cross Creek Cemetery. We have moved a little up hill and are focusing on Historic Haymount on Hillside Ave. This year it is also more interactive,” explained Carrie King, the executive director of the Dogwood Festival.

“Before, patrons would just get on and off the hayride and have skits going on around them, but this year patrons can be pulled into the skit. A prime example would be our amputation scene where patrons can be pulled in to participate. This year there is also a lot more walking. This is not an activity intended for people with limited mobility or strollers. There is just no way we could fit a stroller through some of the paths through the neighborhood yards,” continued King.

The Historic Hauntings Hayride is a unique haunted tour. Of course, there are ghost stories and spooky houses, but there is also the real history of this community. Fayetteville is a community full of a rich and often surprising history.

“This is a great opportunity for education. We are educating our community on our history in a unique way. It makes history fun. Bruce Daws, our city historian, and his team work so hard to be accurate with the costumes, props and scripts. Its like you are really on the eve of Sherman’s march. That is our theme for this year. It is a fun and educational way to learn history,” said King.

For anyone that is interested, the night of history and ghosts doesn’t have to end at the conclusion of the hayride. King added, “We are also doing a haunted house this year. We depart from the Lion’s Club at 725 West Rowan St., and when we return there after the ride, patrons can make a $6 donation and go through the Hillside House of Horror. If patrons bring canned goods to benefit the Fayetteville Urban Ministry they will get $1 off.”

Reservations are required for Historic Hauntings, and tickets cost $17.Tickets are available by calling 323-1934 or by going to www.etix.com/ticket/online/venueSearch.jsp?venue_id=4265. The hayride will depart from 725 W. Rowan St. at the Lion’s Club. It is advised to come early to ensure time for parking as the wagons leave at scheduled times. There will be hayrides on Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. This is a rain or shine event so bring umbrellas if needed. For more information visit www.faydogwoodfestival.com/historic-hauntings.

Photo: Relive some of Fayetteville’s spookier moments on at the Historic Hauntings Hay Ride.