MEET THE MISFITS
A Bunch of Local Misfits, Passionate About Fun & Fear
I suppose you can say weāre not your typical event creatorsāweāre 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 communityās response was nothing short of magicalāand 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, andāmost importantlyāhow 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 lifeās about balanceāsometimes youāve gotta sweat it out on the kickball field or get out of the house for a round of cornhole. And sometimesā¦ 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 weāve planned is carefully crafted to bring people together.
Itās more than just an eventāitās 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 weāre 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 youāre shopping for creepy crafts from a local artist or grabbing a bite from a food truck owned by one of our neighborhood chefs, youāre supporting local, every step of the way. Together, weāve built an event that goes beyond entertainmentāit 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 communityāan event thatās both fun and fearsome. When you walk through the cursed woods of Erie Hollows, youāll experience what hundreds before you have feltāthe thrill of not knowing whatās waiting around the corner. Itās not just a trail; itās 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 youāre a first-timer or a veteran of the trail, we promise youāll leave with memories thatāll last long after the final scream.
Whatās Next?
As we continue to grow, weāre 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 youāre 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 peopleāitās about building connections, supporting local businesses, and giving the community a place to come together, laugh, scream, and make memories. We hope youāll join us for the rideā¦ if you dare.
The Countdown Begins...
š°ļøš
Counting down to next yearās projected opening night ā location TBD! Butā¦ what if the scares didnāt stop at Halloween? š
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! ā°
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Be a Part of Something Wickedā¦ 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 YOUāthe 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 yearās event.
Weāre looking for:
šØ Craft & Souvenir Vendors: Show off your spooky creations to thousands of visitors.
š Paid Actors & Talented Haunters: Bring Erie Hollows to life (or death) by scaring the wits out of guests!
āļø 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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Youth Kickball | Summer 25
š Location: AVERDI SSA Fields (Next to The Spinning Wheel), Syracuse, NY
š Location:
š Days Available:
š Monday Night League
ā³ Start Dates: Starts June 2, 2025
š Game Times: 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM
š„ Format: COED 10 Player Teams (9U Division, Min 3 girls)
ā Registration: Open (Deadline: May 25, 2025)
š° Price: $75 per player
Looking for an awesome way for kids to stay active, meet new friends, and enjoy some friendly competition? Our COED Youth Kickball League (9U Divisions) at AVERDI SSA Fields offers fun Monday night play!
Each league features:
ā” COED 10 Player Teams (9 & under, Min 3 girls)
ā” 6 regular-season games
ā” All teams make playoffs (1-2 weeks)
ā” Fun, social, and competitive atmosphere
ā” Team t-shirt included
ā” Referee fees included (SSA-trained refs)
ā” Games are 7 innings or 55 minutes
ā” Prizes for 1st and 2nd place
Whether your kid is looking to make new friends or dominate the field, this league is for them! Sign up before May 25, 2025, to secure their spot.
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