Haunted forest features 'Friday the 13th' actor

HARRISBURG - Coleman Tri-County Services will celebrate its 25th annual haunted forest this week with a special guest appearance by "Friday the 13th" actor C.J. Graham both Friday and Saturday evening, according to event organizer Lisa Knight.

"We're really excited to be able to celebrate this year's haunted forest with someone who actually portrayed Jason in the 'Friday the 13th' series," Knight said. "Plus, the fact that he will be here on Friday the 13th makes it even neater."

Graham portrayed Jason Voorhees, the villain of the popular horror film series, in "Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives," which was released in 1986.

The haunted forest is located at the Saline County Fairgrounds, and will be open 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Knight said for Friday the 13th fans wishing to see Graham portraying his character, the actor is scheduled to be present Friday and Saturday. He will not be at the Thursday event.

Those attending may pay $10 per car to drive through the haunted forest. In addition, hayrides will be available for $5 per person.

"Hayrides will be moving pretty regularly through the haunted forest, so if you want to move through a little more quickly, that may be the better option," she said.

In addition,on Saturday an all-day event is planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Parking is $5 per vehicle, but once patrons are inside the gates, all events are free.

Those events include Southern Illinois Inflatables, hayrides, a car show, a craft show, live music, a taping of television show "The Spiel," live demonstrations, a magician and guest appearances.

T-shirts celebrating the 25th anniversary of the haunted forest will be on sale for $10 each. Souvenir cups and megaphones will be available for $3 each.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Knight at (618) 378-2191</group><group id="CBC7618D-2A81-4B3D-AC59-3285B1B01A01" type="seoLabels"><seoLabels>