By David Murchland - Marshfield Now! GRANTON — Visitors can face their fears while helping local families this October as Granton School hosts its annual Haunted Forest, with all proceeds supporting the Clark County Christmas Angel Project. The event will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9–10 and Oct. 16–17, at Granton School, 217 N. Main St. Admission is $10 per person. This year’s theme centers on phobias, incorporating creepy crawlies, tight spaces, darkness, dolls and clowns into the school forest. The wooded area, normally available to students and the public throughout the year, becomes the setting for a seasonal fundraiser that combines Halloween entertainment with holiday giving. During an interview with Marshfield Broadcasting, event organizer Katie described the fundraiser’s connection to the Christmas Angel Project and the students’ excitement about welcoming visitors. The Haunted Forest began in 2019. After taking a year off in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers brought it back in 2021 and have continued offering a different theme each year. Money raised supports the Clark County Christmas Angel Project, which provides gifts and food to area families needing additional help during the Christmas season. The project holds special meaning for participating FFA members and others in the Granton community. Visitors who wish to contribute beyond the admission price can leave an additional donation in a pumpkin bucket at the ticket table. As the holiday season approaches, community members will also have opportunities to support the Christmas Angel Project through giving trees at participating businesses, including banks and stores in the Neillsville and Granton areas. Those trees provide lists of children’s needs, allowing donors to purchase items such as winter coats, clothing and toys. The project also accepts general donations. Haunted Forest attendees should park in the school’s elementary parking lot and follow the solar-lighted trail to the playground, where the ticket table and concession stand will be located. For organizers and students, the event offers a chance to turn October scares into Christmas support for families throughout the area.