Ohio University parents, students and alumni had the chance to explore the Ridges in a new way this weekend.
Bi-hourly hayrides throughout the grounds of the old state mental hospital were offered as a part of Homecoming 2011.
The Ridges is a popular attraction to Athens visitors because of the ghost stories that haunt the area. These stories attracted many of the participants to the event.
“I’m excited to take part in an eerie Homecoming event this close to Halloween,” said Mike Scholze, a sophomore studying sport management, as he sipped the hot chocolate that was offered as part of the event. “It sounds like a lot of fun.”
Other aspects of The Ridges draw visitors as well.
“My family and I decided to take part in the Ridges event because of its beauty,” said Pam Albers, the mother of a junior studying nursing. “We parked up here once last year and thought the area was stunning.”
After waiting in the brisk fall air and enjoying free hot chocolate and cider, interested participants were invited on a hayride cart for a tour of The Ridges. The tour offered an unexpected element.
“I found it interesting that the tour guide was trying to debunk many of the myths that surround the mental hospital,” said Katie Vitek, a 2007 graduate who studied education. “He actually emphasized the excellent mental health of many Ohioans. It was unexpected, but still a good time.”
bl171210@ohiou.edu
