A drop in turnout last year was a key factor in the Satellite Center’s decision to pause its Haunted History Hike this year, according to Ryan Bruce, the director of the technical theatre program at the Satellite Center.
“With fewer attendees it was costing us more to host than we were able to fundraise,” Bruce said. “Our goal has always been to provide an enriching, memorable experience for the community, but this year it seemed best to pause and consider ways to make future events more sustainable and engaging.”
The Satellite Center, a career focused program of St. Charles Parish Public Schools, began the Haunted History Hike in 2014. Hahnville and Destrehan High School students designed and produced the tour each year.
The hike took attendees on a journey through Wetland Watchers Park, with a student guide leading hikers through five scary stations along the trail. The stations served as a loose timeline of people who settled the area. At the first station, hikers met the “ghosts” of Native Americans.
“While we can’t confirm any real ghost sightings, our team enjoyed creating a welcoming atmosphere for the Feu Follet,” Bruce said.
The tour would then introduce hikers to past French explores who settled the area, pirates such as Jean Lafitte and survivors of the 1915 hurricane that wiped out the fishing village of LaBranche. Hikers also loaded up on candy and took part in other Halloween-themed family activities.
Bruce said the setting helped create the backdrop for exploring local tales and spooky storytelling.
“What is most meaningful to me about this project is the students’ enthusiasm for sharing our region’s unique history and folklore,” he said.
Bruce said the hike was an incredible way to connect with the community.
“I certainly hope we can build a similar project in the future that continues to honor these stories and showcase student work,” he said.
