Fall Fantasy Walk Through available October only

JOHNSTOWN – Willow Wood Event Park in Johnstown Ohio is a new family venture, offering a Fall Fantasy Walk Through this October.

Patricia Morgan purchased the seven-acre property just over a year ago and is in the process of creating a unique wedding and photography venue.

She has partnered with her daughter and son-in law, Rebecca and Jeff MacKay of Newark, who are both artists and have years of experience in set design, props, modeling and photography. 

Together, the team is creating a whimsical venue for weddings and photography. 

This fall, they offer something for the local families and children, and they have been busy creating a small Fall Fantasy Walk Through around their beautiful pond.

 “We wanted to create a safe, fun environment for the kids to enjoy this season,” said Morgan. The event will be catered to COVID safety, as it is a hands-off outside event where social distancing and masks are encouraged. The short walk through is centered in fantasy and is appropriate for children of all ages, no jump scares here. 

This is a non-traditional Halloween event; families can experience the fall shenanigans of fairies, hobbits and other Fae folk with giant pumpkins and mushrooms, a hobbit house, spooky graveyard and so much more.

The story features an interactive scavenger hunt aimed at smaller children, though parents can join in by reading the storyline from a souvenir guidebook.

“Think of it as a fantasy art exhibit you can wander around and take photos with your family,” Rebecca MacKay said. 

The MacKays have donated their time and talent to create the art installations throughout the walk through: including giant papier-mache mushrooms and pumpkins, a life-size hobbit house facade created from recycled pallets, and a candy corn forest.

“The walk through has been created primarily by up-cycling, repurposing, and using lots of creativity,” Jeff MacKay said.

“Willow Woods Fall Fantasy Walk Through is a wonderful way for families to enjoy the season, outside in a safe environment where they can use their imagination and take some memorable photos within magical settings,” Rebecca MacKay said. 

Willow Wood is inviting families out through the end of October from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is located at 3117 Johnstown Utica Road, Johnstown. The cost is just $5 per person. Costumes are welcome. You can find more information on Willow Wood's Facebook page.