MEET THE MISFITS
A Bunch of Local Misfits, Passionate About Fun & Fear
I suppose you can say weโre not your typical event creatorsโweโre a ragtag group of local business owners, artists, and dreamers who share a common passion for one thing: fun! What started as a crazy concept from two key members of the Syracuse Sports Association (SSA) has blossomed into an unforgettable Halloween tradition, known now as Walk of the Dead.
When we first envisioned Walk of the Dead, it was a small, local event meant to bring together friends and families for some Halloween fun. But the communityโs response was nothing short of magicalโand terrifying! Each year, more guests lined up to brave the haunted trails, and it became clear that we were onto something bigger than just a one-time scare.
The team behind Walk of the Dead is made up of a quirky bunch of small business owners, artists, and local enthusiasts who each bring their unique skills and creativity to the table. Every single member is passionate about two things: bringing joy to the community and offering spine-chilling thrills for those brave enough to join us.
Leading the charge is our very own Andy a.k.a. 'Rock'. Or sometimes referred to as the "Ruler of Recreation." As the owner of SSA (Syracuse Sports Association), Andy knows what it means to build a community, create events that unite people, andโmost importantlyโhow to have fun. Andy's love for sports and recreation found a natural fit in the world of haunted trails and Halloween horror. With his leadership, what began as a simple idea has transformed into one of the region's most anticipated Halloween events.
What Drives Us?
We believe that lifeโs about balanceโsometimes youโve gotta sweat it out on the kickball field or get out of the house for a round of cornhole. And sometimesโฆ you just need to be scared out of your mind on a haunted trail. The success of Walk of the Dead comes from our deep love for this community. Every scream, every laugh, and every jump scare weโve planned is carefully crafted to bring people together.
Itโs more than just an eventโitโs a shared experience that leaves a lasting impression. From the costumes to the actors to the eerie scenes, we put our all into making every year even scarier and more fun than the last.
Supporting Local, Building Community
Not only are we passionate about creating a heart-pounding haunted experience, but weโre also driven to support our local small businesses. Many of our sponsors and vendors are homegrown talents, local artisans, and business owners who are as invested in the success of Walk of the Dead as we are.
Whether youโre shopping for creepy crafts from a local artist or grabbing a bite from a food truck owned by one of our neighborhood chefs, youโre supporting local, every step of the way. Together, weโve built an event that goes beyond entertainmentโit helps keep the spirit of our community alive (even if the spirits of Erie Hollows never rest).
The Walk of the Dead Experience
From day one, our mission has been to create something extraordinary for the communityโan event thatโs both fun and fearsome. When you walk through the cursed woods of Erie Hollows, youโll experience what hundreds before you have feltโthe thrill of not knowing whatโs waiting around the corner. Itโs not just a trail; itโs a journey through time, where legends and lore come to life, and where every step brings you closer to the curse that haunts us all.
With every new year, we make the haunted trail bigger, better, and scarier. Our team spends months planning the scenes, costumes, and scares to ensure that each of you has a unique experience. Whether youโre a first-timer or a veteran of the trail, we promise youโll leave with memories thatโll last long after the final scream.
Whatโs Next?
As we continue to grow, weโre always on the lookout for ways to expand the event, deepen our connection to the community, and involve more local businesses in the experience. Whether youโre looking to sponsor, volunteer, or just experience the terror firsthand, we welcome you to join us in making Walk of the Dead a tradition for years to come.
The Final Whisper...
At the end of the day, Walk of the Dead is about more than just scaring peopleโitโs about building connections, supporting local businesses, and giving the community a place to come together, laugh, scream, and make memories. We hope youโll join us for the rideโฆ if you dare.
The Countdown Begins...
๐ฐ๏ธ๐
Counting down to next yearโs projected opening night โ location TBD! Butโฆ what if the scares didnโt stop at Halloween? ๐
Want haunts all year round?
Stay in the know about pop-up scares and eerie events in between Halloweens. Enter your email to join the thrill-seekers list!
Stay Informed. You never know what hauntings lie ahead! โฐ
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Be a Part of Something Wickedโฆ and Wonderful
Calling All Local Heroes, Artists, and Haunters!
Are you passionate about our community? Do you have a love for creativity, safety, or a good scare? The Walk of the Dead and our partners are investing in YOUโthe people who make this community strong. Whether you're a local artisan, a talented performer, or just someone looking to lend a hand, we want YOU to be part of this yearโs event.
Weโre looking for:
๐จ Craft & Souvenir Vendors: Show off your spooky creations to thousands of visitors.
๐ญ Paid Actors & Talented Haunters: Bring Erie Hollows to life (or death) by scaring the wits out of guests!
โ๏ธ General Volunteers to ensure everyone has a safe and thrilling experience.
A Special Thanks to our local business partners that make these adventures possible...
2024 was powered by our local business partners that make these adventures possible...
Upcoming Events
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Scary Fun Kickball Tourney
๐ Location: AVERDI SSA Fields (Next to The Spinning Wheel)
๐ Day: Saturday โ One-Day Tournament
โณ Date: October 25th, 2025
๐ Check-In: 10:00 AM
๐ First Games: 10:30 AM (Rolling Start Times)
๐ฅ Format: 10-person rosters (Minimum 3 females)
๐ฏ Skill Level: Recreational & Intermediate (Two Divisions Available)
โ Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 11th, 2025
๐ฐ Price: $40 per player (includes officials' fees)
๐ Get Ready for the Spookiest Kickball Event of the Year!
Join us for SSAโs Halloween Kickball Tournament โ a one-day, costume-filled showdown on the fields with fun, friendly competition and serious Halloween vibes.
Each tournament features:
โก 3-game guarantee
โก 5-inning or 30-minute game format
โก Double division: B (intermediate) & Rec (casual)
โก Costumes encouraged โ team & individual awards
โก Guest judges for costume contests
โก Prizes include gift cards, SSA swag & more!
Standard SSA rules apply (7 guys + 3 girls per team, with modified bunt line).
Spots fill fast โ grab your spot, plan your look, and get ready to rule the field in full costume!
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