SPRINGHILL, N.S. – Halloween can be fun, but it can also be very fearful.
Brave souls seeking jolts of fear will find them on the Valley Road this Saturday and next Saturday.
The Haunted House and Trail is open from 12 to 4 p.m. for kids, and then 7 to 10 p.m. for those brave souls courageous enough to face their fears head on.
“It’s on a seven-acre lot, and the trail is probably about half a kilometer long,” said Justin Simons, who along with his wife Tena, their kids, and many volunteers, have been working on the Haunted House and Trail at the Simons’ home since late September.
The trail used to be an annual event but is now held every second year.
“At one time we only did the garage, and then we went to the trail, and then we expanded the trail, and it was so much work to do it all we figured we’d do it every second year,” said Simons. “It lets the interest build and it gives the volunteers a break.”
Admission is $5, with proceeds supporting schools in Springhill.
In the past, money raised went to the two Springhill elementary schools but this year it’s mostly going to the junior and senior high school.
“We’ll see how much we’re able to raise and put a portion towards the Home and School committee for the elementary schools. With the rest we’re hoping to buy track and field equipment for the junior and senior high school,” said Simons.
Two years ago they raised $5,000.
“We had about 1,000 people over the two nights.”
They hope to have many more this year.
“We encourage people to come out. It’s rain or shine, and Archway Insurance will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers here for the young ones during the day.”
Simons thanks the Masonic Laurie Lodge No. 70 for their support.
“They match us for up to $2,000, so if we raise $4,000 our total amount is $6,000, and we also have Masons who work on the haunted house.”
The bi-annual event is a big commitment and Simons thanked the many volunteers and sponsors who contribute, such as Home Hardware, Foodland, Laurentide, Gabriel’s Septic, and the unions at the Springhill Institution.
The Haunted House and Trail is at 1026 Valley Road (Highway 321)
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