STOCKTON, Calif. -- Weeks of planning a ghoulish haunt near Stockton have had some "spooktacular" results, but the crowds aren't rushing in just yet.

Pollardville, which is better known for its looming chicken sign off Highway 99, has had a ghoulish transformation with one purpose in mind: to lure children and their parents this Halloween.

With the likes of the mad doctor hacking away, it should not be hard to attract trick-or-treaters. But when Ghost Town opened last week, the crowds were thin, which was a disappointment to the two sponsors -- Pollardville and KSTN radio -- because all profits will help seven local schools and charities.

Owner Neil Pollard hopes the problem just had to do with last weekend's circumstances.

"The weather wasn't the greatest," Pollard said. "Saturday was kind of rained out, and Sunday we were competing with the World Series."

It's the first year for the Ghost Town event. Officials hope it will grow every year.

Some of the things people can expect at Ghost Town are pumpkin carvings and severed-head throwing contests.

The heads will begin to roll Thursday night at 5 p.m. in Pollardville. Ghost Town will be open through Sunday. Tickets are $5 a piece and just $2 for children under 2 years old.

For more information on the event, call (209) 931-8168 during regular business hours.