MEET THE MISFITS
A Bunch of Local Misfits, Passionate About Fun & Fear
I suppose you can say weβre not your typical event creatorsβweβre 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 communityβs response was nothing short of magicalβand 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, andβmost importantlyβhow 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 lifeβs about balanceβsometimes youβve gotta sweat it out on the kickball field or get out of the house for a round of cornhole. And sometimesβ¦ 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 weβve planned is carefully crafted to bring people together.
Itβs more than just an eventβitβs 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 weβre 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 youβre shopping for creepy crafts from a local artist or grabbing a bite from a food truck owned by one of our neighborhood chefs, youβre supporting local, every step of the way. Together, weβve built an event that goes beyond entertainmentβit 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 communityβan event thatβs both fun and fearsome. When you walk through the cursed woods of Erie Hollows, youβll experience what hundreds before you have feltβthe thrill of not knowing whatβs waiting around the corner. Itβs not just a trail; itβs 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 youβre a first-timer or a veteran of the trail, we promise youβll leave with memories thatβll last long after the final scream.
Whatβs Next?
As we continue to grow, weβre 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 youβre 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 peopleβitβs about building connections, supporting local businesses, and giving the community a place to come together, laugh, scream, and make memories. We hope youβll join us for the rideβ¦ if you dare.
The Countdown Begins...
π°οΈπ
Counting down to next yearβs projected opening night β location TBD! Butβ¦ what if the scares didnβt stop at Halloween? π
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! β°
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Be a Part of Something Wicked⦠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 YOUβthe 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 yearβs event.
Weβre looking for:
π¨ Craft & Souvenir Vendors: Show off your spooky creations to thousands of visitors.
π Paid Actors & Talented Haunters: Bring Erie Hollows to life (or death) by scaring the wits out of guests!
βοΈ 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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Pickleball IS HERE
π Location: Erie Canal Pickleball Center, 3179 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13214
π Days Available:
π Tuesday Night League
π Thursday Night League
β³ Start Dates:
Tuesday League: August 12th, 2025
Thursday League: August 14th, 2025
π Game Times: 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
π₯ Format: 2-Person Teams (No gender minimum)
π― Skill Level: Beginner / Casual (No tournament players)
β
Registration Deadlines:
Tuesday League: August 5th, 2025
Thursday League: August 7th, 2025
π° Price: $160 per player
SSA is bringing the fastest-growing sport in America to your weeknights! Join our Indoor Pickleball League at the Erie Canal Pickleball Center for a fun, social, and beginner-friendly season of play.
Each league features:
β‘ 7 regular-season matches + 1 playoff week
β‘ Best-of-5 series vs another team each night
β‘ Balls provided
β‘ Indoor courts with official setup
β‘ Full court time included
β‘ Track your wins with online standings & schedule
πΎ Equipment: Bring your own paddle or rent one on site
π Attire: Athletic clothing and sneakers required
Sign up as a team of two or register solo as a free agent β weβll match you up! Spots are limited, so secure your paddle before itβs game over.
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