By Sally M. Snell
Published: Sep/Oct 2001

Straw-filled wagons ride past haunting scenes as part of the Headless Horseman program / Michael Snell photos

In the dark shadow of the grove, on the margin of the brook, he beheld something huge, misshapen, black and towering. It stirred not, but seemed gathered up in the gloom, like some gigantic monster ready to spring upon the traveler.

The hair of the affrighted pedagogue rose upon his head with terror. What was to be done?

– “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving

Ichabod Crane’s response was to flee in terror. Children of today, though, have a different answer.

“That was so cool! I want to go again!” was the consensus among the squadron of children nestled against their parents in the straw of the Headless Horseman hayride at Conner Prairie, northeast of Indianapolis.

Conner Prairie’s mission is to be a research and education center about the lives, times, attitudes, and values of early 19th-century settlers in Indiana.

“The Headless Horseman program is unique to Conner Prairie because it take us outside our typical time periods and allows us to have an evening event that is a fun interactive activity for the entire family,” said Melissa Snider, Conner Prairie spokesperson.

Children, parents and grandparents climb aboard straw-filled wagons for a moonlight tour past glowing barns and haunting graves. A scream shatters the calm like a lightning bolt, and amid the orchard grove comes a dark horse and a rider with no head.

As the wagon’s young passengers realize their plight, they squeal and snuggle in their parent's arms. But as quickly as he came, the rider pulls back and disappears into the forest.

Six-year-old pals Jared Scott and Chelsea Garrett were delighted with the experience.

“I’m going to have spooky dreams but I’m having fun tonight!” said Garrett, her hips and pigtails swinging in emphasis. Scott agreed that he was “freaked out” and that he wanted to go again.

Additional activities

Music and warm light spill from the barn where parents and children partner up in square dances. The steps are simple and interpretive staff members assist in instruction. Moms and sons, dads and daughters–their smaller dance partners only waist-high–clutch each other’s hands and swing and step to the music. Children create their own hats and bow ties. A storyteller interrupts the music briefly to tell the story of the headless horseman. Several people have disappeared and never been found, he says, but assures the crowd that if they ever see him, all they need to do is cross the bridge and they’ll be safe.

Leaving the party, children will notice a large carved pumpkin sitting on a table.

“It’s a magic pumpkin,” said the man standing alongside, who asks that the children to talk to it. The conversation that follows, between pumpkin and children, is a good-natured, quizzical exchange. How did the pumpkin know, after all, the approximate age and number in the group? All is revealed to sharp-eyed children.

In the shadows beyond, children gather around campfires, gape-mouthed and eyes wide and intent, listening to storytellers spinning fanciful tales. Toasted marshmallows abound.

More snacks are available from vendors, but the most popular might be the huge, gooey chocolate chip cookies sold from a basket atop a woman’s head.

Interpreters welcome evening guests into their Conner Prairie home.

The Headless Horseman program is Oct. 12, 13, 18–21 and 25–28, 2001. For more information, call 1-800-966-1836 or visit www.connerprairie.org on line.

Sally M. Snell is a contributor from Topeka, Kan.