Dakota State University students walking around campus

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Majors & Degrees

Madison Terror Trail ready to scare this week

October 23, 2014

Every year brings a spooky tradition to the Madison area, one that has been around possibly since the 1930’s as stated by a weathered sign located at the venue. One that takes over the 4-H grounds and not only brings together everyone looking for a decent scare, but creates a comradery of DSU and community clubs for a good cause.

The DSU W.H.O. organization teamed up with the Madison MadTown Monsters to put together a Haunted House destined to be engrained in the minds of those who dare see it. With hard work from DSU student, Heather Lee and her husband, Larry, who are head of the Madison MadTown Monsters, this collaborative Haunted House will be ready to frighten the community Thursday, October 23 through Saturday, October 5 from 7:00 p.m. at the 4-H Fairgrounds.

This year’s theme is the Madison Terror Trail,” said DSU W.H.O advisor, Derek Franken. “The haunted house is really a technological marvel, much of it to due to the help from Heather and Larry. I am also really excited by our ability to sustain this activity in the community by the engagement of all the clubs, both on and off campus.”

This year W.H.O. and Madison MadTown Monsters have teamed up with six other student organizations: Phi Beta Lambda, Gaming Club, Computer Club, LCA Club, DSU Drama Club, and the Photography Club.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, food donations for the Madison Food Pantry will be accepted for a discounted price of $2 on October 23 with a DSU ID. The proceeds of the Haunted House will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network, Friends of 4-H, and used to support a community project to bring awareness to distracted driving. Admission is $5 a night with a Hot Pass for unlimited visits for $20. Passes can be purchased at the gate.

Who is W.H.O.?

W.H.O. is an acronym for Working to Help Others. W.H.O. now replaces the Enactus student organization on-campus and will continue to coordinate many familiar events for the campus and the community. The primary focus of the group is to help empower others. In addition, the group will continue to provide Lazer Tag events for the Madison community and campus as well.  They also support Prairie Village, the Domestic Violence Network with the Tour of Tables and the Laughs and Linguine event and work in conjunction with ICAP to support VITA,  the volunteer income tax assistance program.  Franken believes, "One of the most important lessons students can learn in college and in life is to give freely of themselves, as their selfless efforts will ultimately help develop their character which will ultimately define WHO they are and WHO they will be for the rest of their lives". For more information on W.H.O., please email WHO@dsu.edu