Cascade man creates “Haunted Forest” attraction for neurodivergent children and community
Bradley Davis
CASCADE, Colo. (KRDO) – For the last four years, a man from Cascade has built a “haunted forest” attraction at their home and invites students from the RiseUp school in Colorado Springs to take a walk through for free.
“It’s absolutely amazing when you have someone in the community like Kevin who steps up and gets us,” RiseUp Development Officer Kathy Stults said.
Kevin Holt grew up in Southern Colorado and said he was inspired by the late Nick Venetucci and Venetucci Farms. Holt said he carried out a free pumpkin from the farm every year while growing up and wanted to do his part to give back to local children.
“They all stand at the house, and they all collectively say, ‘Thank you, Mr. kevin!’ and it just melts my heart,” Holt said.
Many of the students at RiseUp are non-verbal, and their conditions can make it difficult for them and their families to enjoy Halloween like other children.
“He doesn’t really trick or treat. We’ve tried over the years, but it’s just not his thing,” said Catherine Buckham, whose son, Alexander, goes to RiseUp.
The Haunted Forest gives the students a safe space to have Halloween fun with their parents and teachers. Their field trip is on October 30.
“I get to bring him out here, and he can experience all of these things, at least on whatever level he gets it,” Buckham said.
Holt also hosts a free pumpkin giveaway on October 25. Anyone is welcome to stop by, see his haunted attraction and grab a pumpkin until they’re out.
Holt said it takes him over a month of daily work to set up the haunted forest. He lines the short drive/walk with huge animatronics and other decorations donated by the community.
“It’s one of the most unique, warming feelings that a guy can ever have, that truly, you’re giving back from you’re heart,” Holt said. “Somebody really does appreciate what you do, and they love you.”
His giant skeletons hover above the shoulder of Highway 24 as you head West to Woodland Park, right at the Fountain Avenue intersection, as you head up to the Pikes Peak Highway.
If you have a home that you deck out for Halloween, you can submit it to our 2025 Trick-or-Treat Trail by clicking here.