History Club students prepare for opening night of the Haunted Jail October 26.

Zombies and inmates infected by the flesh-eating monsters took over the historic jail on McIver Street in Macclenny for three nights recently, capping the run on Halloween.

The annual Haunted Jail fund raiser benefits the Baker County Historical Society and the Baker High History Club. Club sponsor Mark Hartley said the goal was to raise $3000 during the event, half for the society and half for the club.

This year's Haunted Jail featured both floors at the old jail — upstairs are the zombies and downstairs their maligned offspring, the inmates — for the first time.

Mr. Hartley said attendance on the first two nights were about average, but he expected many more for Halloween.

Homecoming fever took over central Macclenny late last week beginning with a parade down US 90 to Memorial Stadium where the Cat Growl pep rally took place immediately afterwards on October 18. Here are some of the images from the festivities, but more are available for viewing and ordering prints here.

Bucs youth cheerleaders.

All-American Twirling Academy performers.

Justin Freeman

Justin Freeman of Sanderson is about to play one of the biggest shows of his young country music career in Gainesville.

Mr. Freeman, 30, preformed before to his largest audience at the Suwannee River Jam in 2011 opening for Blackberry Smoke, and also takes the stage at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood and the Country Club Lounge in Macclenny on occasion.

But on Thursday, October 18 at the Florida Theatre, the Baker County native will open for the Athens, GA-born country rapper Colt Ford. The show begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $25.

Mr. Freeman began his full-time music career in 2009 after a tumultuous period in his life. He lost his job as a graphic designer after eight years and went through a divorce.

“When everything was falling apart, or so it seemed, I was able to focus my attention on writing and producing,” said the budding singer-songwriter in an interview with The Press.

“It definitely helped me move on and get through one of the toughest times of my life. Music is the thing that can get people through any situation. I hope someone hears some of my songs and can relate and know they aren’t alone in their situation,” he said.

Mr. Freeman recalled one instance when a U.S. soldier approached him after a show about his song, “Since You’ve Been Gone.”

Noah Carter tests his aim at the fair.

The wet weather kept attendance down at the fairgrounds for most of the weekend, but fair association president Cathy Rhoden said most people ventured out on Saturday and late Friday night.

“It was a really great Saturday night,” she said. “Some people came after the rain on Friday, but nothing like they normally do.”

The rodeo was delayed until this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, as a result of the weather.