Haunted Marietta is back for another year, encouraging brave souls to experience some spine-tingling fun - if they dare!

This year's event will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, and will feature two attractions: a haunted house at the Union Meeting House, 80 N. Waterford Ave., and a haunted corn maze and other activities behind Molly's Courtyard Cafe, 17 E. Market St.

From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. both evenings, the haunted house will offer a less-scary option for children, with no costumed actors. From 7 to 9 p.m. each night, the attraction will feature thrills and chills for adults throughout the interactive attraction. On Oct. 26, people are invited to join in a costume parade starting in the square in Marietta at 5 p.m. and walking down to the Union Meeting House for the children's hour.

At Molly's Courtyard Cafe, visitors can explore a corn maze and enjoy a variety of food trucks and vendors, said Ali Marquart, a board member of Marietta Restoration Associates, which organizes the event under creative director and Marietta resident Willis Boyles.

Boyles had created a Halloween attraction in his Marietta backyard for many years, inviting the community to attend free of charge. In 2019, Marietta Restoration Associates approached Boyles about collaborating on the event and moving it to the Union Meeting House, where it could take place no matter the weather. Boyles still handles all of the design and creativity for the haunted house, with new features added each year.

Marquart invites people of all ages to come to Haunted Marietta, noting that a small admission fee will be charged for each attraction. Donations will be accepted as well.

"People can expect a scary night ahead of them when entering either of the Haunted Marietta attractions," Marquart said. "For those who are not a fan of getting scared, they can enjoy the vendors and food trucks for a family fun evening."

Proceeds from the event benefit Marietta Restoration Associates, an organization founded in 1965 by a group of Marietta citizens that wanted to preserve the history of the town. "Since then, the organization has grown to be a staple in the community by organizing events such as Haunted Marietta and the Candlelight Tour," Marquart said. "The money from these events goes towards continuing to preserve Marietta's cultural and architectural heritage."

Both cash and credit cards will be accepted for Haunted Marietta, but cash is preferred. For more information, search for "Haunted Marietta PA" on Facebook.