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Throughout October, dozens of cars wind through the darkness at Jack's Hollow, where screams and laughter echo from vehicles as families experience one of the area's most unique and longstanding Halloween traditions.
For over 30 years, the Doleshal family has transformed its Gardner property into an elaborate haunted drive-thru that's become a beloved community institution.
What began as a simple gathering in 1993 has evolved into a sprawling Halloween experience with multiple haunted scenes, scares and a barn filled with horror memorabilia.
"Started a long time ago. Way back 1993, it started out as my uncle carving jack-o'-lanterns around a campfire with a couple of his buddies," said Dane Moldrup, a Jack's Hollow organizer. "They would add tombstone here, skeleton there, and it kind of blew up into what it is today."
The elaborate production has grown consistently over three decades, with the family continuously investing in new elements.
"And after that, it just exploded because it was very successful. And literally, every year it's gotten bigger and bigger," said organizer Tammy Doleshal.
Doleshal has been involved for at least three decades, so she's the growth.
"We add new props every year, at least one big prop, and then we buy a bunch of small stuff that we'll add into different scenes," Moldrup said. "It builds up the love of Halloween even more."
One of Jack's Hollow's highlights is a barn filled with horror memorabilia that visitors can explore, adding to the immersive experience that sets it apart from commercial haunted attractions.
"We have my little brother, who's 10 years old, who's out there scaring right now, and then all the way up to us," Moldrup said. "So through and through, [it] is a family event. I think people can feel that when they're drinking apple cider and eating their donuts and everything."
But this Halloween season, the Doleshal family is confronting harsh economic realities affecting the mission. The attraction remains free, asking only for toy donations or small cash contributions to help local children during the holidays.
However, organizers say fewer donations are coming in as families tighten their belts.
"It's free of charge," Doleshal said. "We asked, if possible, if they could bring a new toy or a small cash donation because ... that helps us get the teenagers and the things that we don't get donated."
This year feels different, reflecting broader economic pressures across Kansas households.
"There's been years that it's been extremely successful. This year has been a little slow, so I'm thinking the economy," she said. "Our donations have been down, but I can't say they're bad, but they definitely have changed. And so I do think it's the economy."
The impact is significant. Last year, donations helped the family provide Christmas gifts to 700 local children.
For the family, the attraction's value extends beyond charitable contributions — it's about community connection and keeping Halloween accessible to all families.
"A lot of different haunts or a lot of attractions have kind of a corporation feel, and this is truly 100% a family event," Moldrup said.
Doleshal said that's why Jack's Hollow doesn't charge.
"Along with getting the donations, I enjoy seeing these kids have that much fun. I enjoy seeing them enjoy it," she said.
This year, Jack's Hollow is adding a special twist for Halloween night.
"What's a little different is a Friday is Halloween. So what we're doing on Halloween, which we've never done before, is we're giving out bags at the end of the drive, and every scare is going to have candy, and they can trick or treat on the way down," Doleshal said.
The attraction runs through Halloween, and due to increased popularity since the pandemic, reservations are now recommended through a SignUpGenius page.
As Kansas families navigate economic uncertainties, the Doleshal family continues betting that Gardner's Halloween spirit will overcome financial headwinds — one carload at a time.
For more information and reservations, visit Jack's Hollow's Facebook page.
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