Dardani’s haunted trail getting ready for 2001

Dardani’s haunted trail
getting ready for 2001

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The township will hold its fourth annual Dardani’s Haunted Trail and Bizarre on Oct. 26 and 27 at Woodlot Park on New Road.

"While this will be the fourth year the township has sponsored the trail, it has been around for many years," Chairwoman Carolyn Dardani. "It originally was at our house for six to seven years, but grew very large due to word of mouth. We were originally sponsored by the YMCA at Reichler Park prior to the township[’s sponsorship] for two years. The event grew and grew. We had 1,200 people [come] the last year it was held at our house."

Due to the tragic events of Sept. 11, this year’s trail is donating a portion of the proceeds to the Sept. 11 South Brunswick Community Fund.

Dardani said there were some concerns that the trail might be inappropriate this year.

"The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, left everyone disheartened, angry and confused," Dardani said. "We feel it might be inappropriate to have the event and fear public perception of the event may be skewed. Is it disrespectful to have the Haunted Trail in the face of the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Center attack which impacted everyone?"

Dardani said he had thought about the event and felt it would be fair to give the community something fun.

"You have to move on and give people something to enjoy," Dardani said.

The event is put on for the safety of the community during the Halloween season, according to Dardani.

"After the town became our sponsor, we worked to help raise money for Project Graduation," Dardani said. "Project Graduation provides a safe night for the kids on graduation night. The Police Department said running this trail keeps crime down by 80 percent. We give everyone something to do other than mischief."

Dardani said that people should not worry because proper precautions are being taken.

"We have taken extra security measures this year," Dardani said. "We will be taking precautions to make sure the park, staff and volunteers are safe. Everything is being done to take this step."

This is not an event that is meant to be thought of as tasteless, according to Dardani.

"We want the public to know that the decision to have the Haunted Trail and Bizarre was a very difficult one to make and was not made in a vacuum," Dardani said. "Please do not mistake the macabre event as disrespectful, but more of a way for our community to unite and support each other during this difficult time. If you don’t enjoy this event, please do not attend. But keep in mind, it’s only entertainment and not meant to be malicious."

— Dave Goldberg