RECAP:  Hidden in the isolated backwoods of The Clermont County Fairgrounds lies a haunted trail filled with spooky creatures that only come out after dark.  Venturing into the lonely path of spiderwebs, cornstalks, and overgrown vegetation discovers multiple abandoned buildings, bloody body parts, crawling mutations scampering across the ground, and the skeletal remains of canine “Cujo,” still faithful to his long-forgotten doghouse. 

An undead corpse rises from its casket in the midst of a frightening cemetery, while a ghost-like spirit is spotted hoovering in the middle of the path ahead, then quickly goes charging past upon approach before vanishing into the night.  Hidden menaces shoot guns and "sparkling fireworks" at passersby in advance of a murderous “Chop Shop” that’s entered through an upright, coffin door, and where sparks fly, and trespassers fall victim to chainsaw-wielding maniacs!

Other sights include an insane asylum that finds a lunatic trying desperately to free himself from a binding straitjacket, and a blood-splattered girl begging, “Help Me! Help Me!” but don’t try being a good Samaritan or she’ll pound you with her oversized sledgehammer!

Monster Trucks revs their engines and shine their blinding headlights in preparation of a broadside hit-and run!  Avoidance ushers the course into a circus colonized by a group of killer clowns, one holding a decapitated head saying, “I like that head you’re wearing! Let’s trade!” while another comes out of hiding armed with a telescoping pole saw ready to add to his cohort’s collection with his deadly weapon’s lethal, circular teeth!  More evil jokesters block progression and split groups up before releasing them for one final surprise that lies in wait just beyond the exit from O’ville Trail of Terror!

ANALYSIS:  This creepy walk through the dense woods provides plenty of opportunities for one’s own emotions to get the better of them by exploiting fear and anticipation of what might lie ahead.  For safety purposes, groups are accompanied through the trail by a guide, but they actually serve a dual purpose by learning the customers’ names, then loudly announcing to the various monsters just who’s about to enter their scenes, thus enabling villains to utilize this privileged information to amplify their scares and intimidations!  Well done!

Characters are well hidden, and work hard to deliver the best possible scares from each and every scene.  Chop Shop performers and clowns stand out, with honorable mention going to the bloody ghost and energetic crawlers.  Specifically admire the way “ghost” is first seen from a distance prior to her departure as groups get closer.  Sparks and trucks are likewise appreciated for their legitimizing contributions.  Group separation and false finish also provide positive impacts, with the former permitting an opening to the safety of the field to be seen, but denying access to the escape, while the latter keeps its finishing surprise secluded until just the right moment!

Costuming is a bit basic, often consisting of street clothes.  Soundtrack could be expanded upon, as it’s mostly limited to cemetery and Chop Shop.  Additional buildings to decorate and navigate would raise the score.  Better signage is needed to direct potential customers to the actual attraction itself.

This is a very enjoyable trail, just full of festive, seasonal scares and entertainment!  It’s affordably priced at only $10, and all proceeds benefit the Clermont Northeast Rockets Baseball team, CNE Chargers Baseball Team, and the CNE High School Wrestling team.  Please pay a visit to “The O’ville Trail of Terror” and show your support for a really good cause!