Hundreds learn the legends of Sleepy Hole

The normally bright and sunny Sleepy Hole Park turned into a different place after dark Friday.

Chainsaw-wielding attackers, bloody zombies and creepy pumpkin people lurked in the shadows, waiting for innocent souls to claim. Screams and bangs echoed through the darkness. Floodlights flashed on and off.

A tractor lumbered through the horrifying scene, towing a trailer full of victims. Headlights flashing, it approached the spot where Suffolk Police Officer J. Epperson lay in wait, motionless, several yards off the path. He clutched a chainsaw, ready to fire it up at just the right time for maximum scariness.

“They sent the email out, and I thought it would be pretty fun to come out and scare some people,” Epperson said. City employees were entreated to volunteer to help at the event, and theater students from Old Dominion University and several local high schools also answered the call.

In four hours Friday, hundreds of people took the journey through the haunted forest to learn the legends of Sleepy Hole. Each paid $5 for the privilege, a portion of which benefited the city’s United Way campaign.

“It was something our department hadn’t done before,” said Lori Carter, an employee of Suffolk Parks and Recreation. She eyed the line of people waiting to embark on their frightening journey.

“It looks like it’s been pretty steady, too,” she added.

Paula Dunagan said her favorite part was the chainsaws. Her daughter Laurel, 12, had a different opinion.

“I liked the part where the zombies come out,” Laurel said. “It scared me in parts.”

Carter said the city hopes to repeat the event in years to come.