October is a time for haunted houses, eerie attractions and spooky hayrides, but not everyone enjoys frightful activities. For families looking for Halloween fun without the scares, the Northfield Volunteer Fire Company is introducing its Not-So-Spooky Hayride at Birch Grove Park.
Although this will be the fire company’s first year hosting the hayride, the event is bringing back a beloved Northfield tradition. Years ago, the city organized a fall family-friendly hayride at Birch Grove Park, but it ended before the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, Northfield firefighters saw an opportunity to revive the idea as both a fundraiser and a way to give back to the community. Proceeds from the event will support repairs and maintenance at the firehouse.
A community effort
Bringing the hayride to life was not without its hurdles, as it took an outpouring of community support.
Finding wagons large enough for passengers was the first challenge. Tony Darpino of Victory Farms provided two matching wagons once used on the farm’s own rides, donated in memory of his father, Bill Darpino.
Utility Line Services helped transport the wagons from Galloway to Northfield, while TK Construction & Property Maintenance, led by former Northfield firefighter Tom Pepek, repaired them. A fresh coat of red paint was added by Ace Hardware on Tilton Road.
A third wagon, destined for auction, was donated by Atlantic County Parks & Recreation, with support from Division Director Eric Husta, Northfield’s mayor and City Council, as well as County Executive Dennis Levinson. The wagon was transported by AJ Rivera of Junk Cars South Jersey and fitted with new tires purchased through funds from previous fire company fundraisers.
Dozens of local businesses also contributed — donating services, materials or food — including Carluccio’s Coal Fired Pizza, Route 9 Creamery, Waffle Up, Chico & Sons, Pirate Pete’s Soda Pop Co. and many more.
“This has truly been a community effort,” the fire company said. “We’re grateful for every business and volunteer who helped us get our wagons rolling again.
Event highlights
Unlike haunted rides, the Not-So-Spooky Hayride will feature cheerful decorations and gentle thrills. Riders can expect a light tunnel, illuminated hanging pumpkins, inflatable displays and other festive features. Each wagon holds about 20–25 passengers, with firefighters pulling the rides by tractor and ensuring safety onboard.
The event will also feature food and activities. The Northfield Ladies Auxiliary will run the snack stand, serving Carluccio’s pizza. S’mores kits will also be available for families to enjoy by the park fireplace. The New Jersey State Police Mounted Unit and community outreach team, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service will make appearances, and visitors might even run into Smokey Bear.
The event will take place Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, from 4 to 9 p.m., with a rain date set for Sunday, Oct. 12. Tickets are $8 for children ages 2–12, $12 for ages 13 and up, and free for children under 2.
The hayride adds to an already lively October in Northfield. On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Northfield Police Department will host its annual Trunk or Treat, followed by the Ladies Auxiliary Car Show on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
