Before picture of the Ringgold Depot interior.
photo by Joseph Brellenthin
Construction of this year’s Ringgold Haunted Depot started on Sept. 30 and is now almost complete.
"The seventh annual Haunted Depot in Ringgold is gearing up for another year," according to Dr. Ronal Graham, DDS., chairman of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and volunteer coordinator of the Haunted Depot. “This year will be all new props and interior," explained Dr. Graham who has been working with the city to bring this event to life. "There is still time for serious volunteers to help out and be part of the community. Not everyone is an actor; we also have other support roles that have to be filled each and every night. So if you want to be part of the best Haunted Attraction in the area please contact Ringgold City Hall."
"There will be something for everyone to do this year," said Randall Peters, vice-chairman of the Downtown Development Authority. "We will have the Haunted Depot, Ghost Walk, hayride/bon fire, face painting and live entertainment on the Depot lawn every night."
"The event will open on Friday from 7-11 p.m. and will be open each Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 26," said Mr. Peters." The price will still be the same as last year: $5 for Haunted Depot, $5 for Ghost Walks and $3 for the hayride.
Speaking about how these events benefit Ringgold's historic downtown, Mr. Peters explained, "Many of our local merchants take advantage of having so many people in town for three weekends. We have a wonderful downtown that we need to show off more. I want to thank everyone that visited the Haunted Depot, hayride, Ghost Walk or just came and enjoyed the entertainment. We hope everyone will make plans to return this year.”
Angie Lovell brought her friends and family to the Haunted Depot, and left $100 richer. “I had a great time with my sons, Ethan and Noah, and friends, Alice and Lane,” said Mrs. Lovell, winner of the $100 Visa gift card. “This is the best haunted house I’ve been to in the Tennessee Valley. The price is very affordable and the event is family friendly. I’m very appreciative to the city of Ringgold and First Volunteer Bank for this prize. I will definitely be back this year, and my sons are looking forward to volunteering."
Mary Carpenter, vice president at First Volunteer, comments that, "First Volunteer is very glad to continue being a good corporate citizen to the city of Ringgold and the county. That is important to First Volunteer Bank culture to proudly support the communities in which they are located. There are 24 branches all across the state of Tennessee with locations in Georgia. First Volunteer is a 109 year old community bank who believes in keeping the money local and lending it back to community friends and neighbors, and the small business community."
The money raised from the Haunted Depot helps cover the cost of construction and supplies for the new attractions and any additional profits used by the DDA for projects that re-develop downtown, attract new businesses, and beautify the heart of the city.
For more information go to www.cityofringgold.com, or on facebook by going to www.facebook.com/ringgoldhaunted.
After the construction at the Ringgold Depot interior for the Haunted Depot.
photo by Joseph Brellenthin