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Great Falls Today
By the People, for the People
Sparkettes of Montana 'Trail of Terror' Faces Uncertain Future After Land Sale
Nonprofit baton twirling organization scrambles to find new location for its largest annual fundraiser after being evicted from longtime site.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Sparkettes of Montana, a nonprofit baton twirling organization, have been hosting their annual 'Trail of Terror' haunted attraction fundraiser on a piece of land for the past 11 years. However, the organization recently received notice that the land has been sold, and they have just 30 days to clear everything from the site before October, when the event is typically held.
Why it matters
The 'Trail of Terror' is the Sparkettes' biggest fundraiser of the year, generating anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 that helps cover the organization's expenses and keep costs low for participating families. Without this crucial source of funding, the Sparkettes' program could face significant financial challenges.
The details
The Sparkettes first hosted a haunted house at the fairgrounds before moving to the current Trail of Terror location near 47th Street and 13th Avenue South, where they have operated for the last 11 years. Over that time, volunteers have built more than a dozen themed structures using donated materials and community support. Now, with the land being sold, the organization must dismantle these structures piece by piece and find a new location in time for this year's event.
- The Sparkettes received notice on February 12 that they would no longer be able to use the property and were given about 30 days to clear everything from the site.
- The Trail of Terror is typically held each October.
The players
Brianna Klinker
Head coach of the Sparkettes of Montana.
Sparkettes of Montana
A nonprofit baton twirling organization that has hosted the annual 'Trail of Terror' haunted attraction fundraiser on a piece of land for the past 11 years.
What they’re saying
“We got notice on the 12th that we no longer can use the land. It just gave us a short notice of 30 days to get everything off of it, which is a very short turnaround.”
— Brianna Klinker, Head coach of the Sparkettes of Montana (kxlh.com)
“The Trail of Terror is our biggest fundraising event. Every year we make anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000. That lasts us through the whole year. This one month thing that we do allows us to be what we do each month.”
— Brianna Klinker, Head coach of the Sparkettes of Montana (kxlh.com)
What’s next
The Sparkettes are searching for a suitable property to host the Trail of Terror in October and hope the tradition can continue.
The takeaway
The loss of the Trail of Terror fundraiser could have a significant financial impact on the Sparkettes of Montana, a nonprofit organization that relies on the event to cover its expenses and keep costs low for participating families. The community has rallied around the event over the years, and the Sparkettes are hopeful they can find a new location to continue the tradition.
