The Parkway Trails Shopping Center at Willow and Nees avenues in Clovis will become host the Clovis Haunted Trail haunt at the end of the month. The event is returning for its second year. Photo via Clovis Haunted Trail Facebook page

The Clovis Haunted Trail is back with 13 scare zones featuring live zombies, creepy clowns, eerie music and spooky lighting.

The 1,000-foot-long outdoor walking experience is located behind the Parkway Trails Shopping Center on the northeast corner of Willow and Nees avenues in Clovis.

The walk features 13 Halloween themed sections, vendors from around the Valley and candy stands for trick or treaters. It takes place on a section of Clovis Old Town Trail just behind the shopping center that admittedly gets dark at night.

“It’s a great family event and the trail is scary as it is, so why not make it fun,” explained Falina Marihart, creator of the event and owner of 13 Prime Steak. “I love seeing all the kiddos dressed up and having fun.”

Business sponsors help cover the expenses that make the Clovis Haunted Trail happen. Mono Wind Casino in Auberry has been a supporter of the event since its inception in 2021 and contributes about 30% of the cost of production. Kids Kare Schools and Parkway Trails Shopping Center also provide support for the event.

Red Carpet Car Wash is this year’s newest sponsor. As a participation sponsorship, they will coordinate their own branded experience for guests. Their space will be filled with zombie car wash attendants and guests have a chance for photo-ops and to enter giveaways.

The Halloween experience benefits CenCal Youth Sports, a 501c (3) non-profit organization that promotes hard work, integrity and trust in young children by offering a variety of sports and fitness programs for players aged 6-14 in the Fresno and Clovis area.

“The Clovis Haunted Trail is one of our biggest fundraisers and last year we increased our youth sponsorships by 30%,” said Nate Dalena, executive director of CenCal Youth Sports.  

Volunteers of the event include family members of children involved in CenCal Youth Sports, as well as students from Buchanan High School. By volunteering, the students will earn service hours to help fulfill their community service requirements for college applications and scholarships.

“It’s a win-win for everyone who participates, and the students do an impressive job as scare actors and other supporting roles during the event,” Marihart said. 

The trail will be open Oct. 28-30 from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, and 6-9 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at clovishauntedtrail.com and at the gate.