It’s that time of year again to celebrate the spooktacular event that transforms the Clyde Community Hall into a Halloween-lovers paradise.
The Clyde Haunted House is in its seventh year and each year, it is reinvented to ensure repeat visitors are entertained and surprised.
“It’s just a group of families and friends that get together to do this, more or less for a safe Halloween,” said organizer Cheryl Charabin. “Well, safe for the people who go outside, not for those that come in.”
Doors to the Clyde Haunted House are open on Oct. 28 to 30 from 3 to 11 p.m. Attendees are welcome to dress up in their spookiest attire and are encouraged to bring non-perishable donations for the food bank.
There are two venues to the haunted house, including a more-tame venue for ages 12 and under or even adults who tend to be more timid. For the horror-lovers and gore-seekers, the ‘Enter at Your Own Risk’ venue would be more your speed.
Last year had more than 2,600 attendees, which organizers said they hope to see increase as word of mouth is spread on a broader scale. Although they hope to surpass that number, Charabin stressed that they don’t do it for the numbers.
“We just do it because we enjoy Halloween and we just want something for the kids and just something for everyone to have fun with,” she said.
The event is a popular destination celebrating Halloween, with families traveling from as far as Calgary to check out the festivities, she said. There are also groups from Edmonton, like the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides that come out to participate.
There is no admission charge, but organizers will be collecting donations for the food bank. All non-perishable food items will be collected at the entrance and they hope to raise at least two tonnes of food this year.
Last year, the event brought in two tonnes of food, a number that helps stock food bank shelves for the coming winter season.
“Come on out and check us out if you want something safe for the kids, something fun for the whole family or if you want to come out and be scared,” she said. “Just come on out and give us a chance to see if we can do it. We dare you too!”
