Out in the darkness of Spallumcheen, something so wicked this way comes, those who dare walk along its dimly-lit winding path may never turn back.

Oh, and did we mention there will be dancing?!

Cue the Vincent Price evil laugh now.

Caravan Farm Theatre opens its gate for a thriller night the whole family will enjoy when it hosts its sixth annual Walk of Terror on Halloween.

And this year, there will be a few new treats to devour, including a dance with the “haunted” Blackberry Wood in Caravan’s brand new rain venue.

“We have had a major campaign for our rain venue, and we are pleased to announce, the roof is now completed. It’s a glorious open-air barn and is a wonderful addition to Caravan,” said Kelly McIntosh, Caravan’s acting artistic director while Estelle Shook is on maternity leave.

McIntosh will be familiar to those who saw Caravan’s staging of Macbeth in 2006. The veteran actress, who played Lady Macbeth, returned to the farm that year after an eight-year absence to resume her role as associate artistic director.

This is the third Walk of Terror she has directed.

An ideal spot for a Halloween night, the farm is located along the Salmon River Valley shrouded by blackened hills. And for the past six years, people from far and wide have come for Caravan’s infamous Walk of Terror, where evil lurks around every corner.

“The first one was for the Caravan family,” said McIntosh. “We had 400 people at the gate last year.”

Approximately 50 community volunteer actors are coming to spook those along Caravan’s most ambitious Walk of Terror yet. 

“They run the gauntlet of freak show ghouls to zombies,” said McIntosh. “Last year was so good, it’s become competitive to see who can freak someone out the most.

“This show is all about community. We are inviting volunteers from local environs and beyond to join the league of Halloween frighters. It’s a big night that includes community members, along with professional actors and musicians, and it’s an event for all ages.”

In the past few years, the walk has been followed by a staged presentation, usually a shadow play, or in the case of last year, a full production (Bluebeard).

This year, Canadian actress and Caravan favourite Jan Kudelka presents her 20-minute interactive production, Dr. Moira Messenger’s Medicine Show.

“Jan starred as the housekeeper in Bluebeard last year and has been in numerous productions since the beginning of Caravan, including Animal Farm, Horseplay and The Beggar’s Opera,” said McIntosh.

As Dr. Moira, Kudelka will be pulled to the stage in true Caravan fashion, by a team of horses, and will be accompanied by live musicians, including original Caravaner Jude Lee, and farm regular Cameron Shook.

The evening continues with the Billionaire’s Ball, featuring the Bohemian beat of Blackberry Wood who last played around these parts in the summer, and can now boast to be the first musical act to perform in Caravan’s new venue.

“We really have to acknowledge our farm manager, Sean Newton, who was popping buttons to get this venue ready in time. He has such good energy,” said McIntosh, who is preparing for Caravan’s next act, the winter sleigh ride production of The Story by Martha Ross, running Dec. 11 to 31.

The Walk of Terror also marks the first time Caravan is using an outside ticket agency for its shows. Those who want tickets in advance for any Caravan production can now purchase them at the Ticket Seller, in person at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre box office, call 549-7469, or order online at www.ticketseller.ca.

“People can also pay at the gate for the Walk of Terror, but we want people to get used to where they can now buy tickets in advance,” said McIntosh.

Caravan Farm Theatre’s fall show is one night only – Saturday. Gates open at 7 p.m. Music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.75 for adults and $5.25 for children 12 and under.

For more information about Caravan’s’ 2009-2010 season, call 1-250-546-8533 or visit www.caravanfarmtheatre.com.