What started out as an idea between childhood friends has turned into a popular Halloween treat for local residents.

William VanHorn and Danny Lester started up Highland Hauntings, a “haunted” maze, last year.

“We thought we’d do something for the kids because all of our kids are grown,” Lester said.

“We love the Halloween spirit so much, so we thought why don’t we continue it,” VanHorn said.

Last year, the maze, located at 403 Highland Ave., attracted between 200 and 300 people on Halloween night, according to VanHorn.

“We have a blast,” VanHorn said.

The maze was a “combined community effort,” he added.

Suffolk-based Butler Paper Recycling Inc. donated the cardboard for the maze walls. The fog machines were donated by Windsor High School’s drama club, and family and friends are among the staff that helps with the maze.

“Without them, we don’t have our maze,” VanHorn said.

VanHorn said the group plans to set up the maze late next week.

The maze is free of charge; however, VanHorn and Lester are accepting donations for the March of Dimes. Lester’s wife, Dawn, has been involved with the program for more than 15 years.

Last year, the maze collected about $100 in donations, VanHorn said.

“We wanted to help any other family that might need it,” Lester said.

In the near future, VanHorn hopes to expand to a larger and more open space.

“We want to get it going for years,” he said.

The maze will be open on Oct. 29 and Halloween night starting at sundown and lasting until the crowds die down.