The upper level of the main exhibition building at the Dickinson County fairgrounds has been transformed into a haunted pathway ready to scare guests.

Haunted Barn co-creators Missy Dierkens-Spade and her mother, Mary Dierkens-Clark, are excited for another year.

The duo has been working on projects since July. “We needed to start early because we revamped the entire layout, as well as changed up the scenes,”

Dierkens-Spade said. “We have put in more than 200 hours in the construction between the two of us — it’s a lot of work but worth it.”

THE NEWLY ADDED piano scene in the Haunted Barn at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Norway. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Several new props have also been added, including a piano. “We are always thinking and coming up with different ideas each year,” she said.

The Haunted Barn, which is more than two football fields in length, features visits to the “it’s too late petting zoo,” an Ouija board reader, trip through a graveyard and cornfield, plus run-ins with several suspended ghosts and goblins.

“Personally, I like the new layout that we added this year,” Dierkens-Spade said.

The new, larger entry area will allow more guests to be indoors on cold days. She noted that visitors will now enter across from the fairground barns.

Several characters will again pop up to greet guests on live prop nights, set for 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and also Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26.

A SPOOKY PATHWAY will greet guests at the Haunted Barn that opens Saturday for its eighth season at the Dickinson County fairgrounds in Norway. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“I get so many returning volunteers now,” she said. “High school kids love doing it — some even bring their own costumes.”

They will again host family-friendly daytime events for the younger kids. “We do still have some young daredevils that get a kick out of being scared,” Dierkens-Spade said. Kid-friendly event times are noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, plus Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27.

All new “photo op” areas have been created this year as well, she added. Everyone is encouraged to dress up for any of the times to add to the fun.

The adventure continues outdoors with a maze and hayride with props placed in several areas on the fairgrounds.

Everyone can again warm up at the bonfire. Peterson Welding made a larger fire ring to allow for more heat on cold evenings, Dierkens-Spade said.

Concessions are available during each event, offering hot drinks and treats.

The annual event began in their family barn in Waucedah, moving to the fairgrounds in 2021 and in their fourth year upstairs in the exhibition building.

Cost is $5 per person for family-friendly events and $10 per person on live prop nights. Admission provides access to the haunted house, outdoor maze, bonfire and hayrides.

They will do a raffle basket again this year, with tickets sold during open hours.

The Dickinson County 4-H program will host a Trunk or Treat from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, in conjunction with the Haunted Barn event. Several non-profits and businesses will be joining them.

“That was super fun last year,” she said.

As much as the mother and daughter team would love to continue with the Haunted Barn, this may be its last year.

Dierkens-Spade explained with the deteriorating roof and windows in need of replacement, it would require them to dismantle the entire construction and remove everything. She added that if upgrades get done, that space will be able to once again be used during fair time and other activities.

“The weather looks like it is going to cooperate for the next couple weeks. We hope everyone can come out and enjoy the Haunted Barn,” Dierkens-Spade said.