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The Vernon Chamber of Commerce and the Vernon Township High School SCA are hosting a Haunted Trail & Fall Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Pochuck Valley Farms Market & Deli, 962 McAfee Glenwood Road in the Glenwood section of Vernon. Our team is flagging this one because every ticket, pumpkin and cup of cider helps a longtime Vernon farm get through a tough season.
Why the Festival Matters for Pochuck Valley Farms
According to the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, a historic spring freeze wiped out Pochuck Valley Farms’ apple crop this year, which eliminated the farm’s apple-picking season and created an unexpected financial burden. The Chamber organized the festival as a way for the community to rally around one of Vernon’s own.
Event proceeds go to Pochuck Valley Farms. The Haunted Trail is presented by the Vernon Township High School SCA, and its proceeds are split between the farm and the SCA.
Fall Festival: 3 to 7 p.m.
The family-friendly part of the day runs from 3 to 7 p.m. on the farm. Some vendors may stay into the evening while the Haunted Trail keeps going until 10 p.m. Here is what the Chamber has lined up:
- Hayrides and pumpkin picking in the orchard
- Local vendors, artisans and makers
- Cider and donuts, plus a limited Pochuck Valley Farms menu
- Goat cuddling and games
- Fall family photos with Meg
- Fall decor, mums and pumpkins for sale
Pumpkin Painting With Meg
Pumpkin painting runs in 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. slots for $10, and the price includes a small pumpkin. Spots are booked through the Chamber’s pumpkin painting ticket page.
Haunted Trail Times and Prices
The Haunted Trail comes in two versions, so families can pick their scare level:
- Younger kids: 3 to 5:30 p.m., $5. This is a less-scary daylight walk for little ghosts and goblins.
- Scarier trail: 6 to 10 p.m., $10. Once the sun goes down, the trail gets considerably creepier.
Haunted Trail tickets are sold through the SCA’s ticket page.
Rain Date
If weather forces a change, the rain date is Sunday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date covers the vendor fair and pumpkin painting only. There is no Haunted Trail on the rain date.
Vendors and Donations
The Chamber is still inviting local businesses, artisans, makers and community organizations to take part. Booths are $30 for a 10 by 12 foot space or $60 for a 10 by 24 foot double space, with no food vendors. Vendor hours are 3 to 7 p.m., and vendors may stay until 10 p.m. at no extra charge. Applications are on the vendor application page, and questions go to info@vernonchamber.com.
Neighbors who can’t make it on October 10 can still help through the Chamber’s Pochuck Valley Farms donation page.
Make a Vernon Day of It
Vernon is packed with fall plans this month. Our team also covered Heaven Hill Farm’s Great Pumpkin Festival on Route 94, and our October guide to things to do in Sussex County rounds up more picks for the weeks ahead.
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