Highland Hauntings returns

Published 7:08 pm Thursday, October 7, 2021

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This Halloween, folks can get a good scare for a good cause.

Highland Hauntings will return from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 30-31 at 403 Highland Ave. The hauntings took a break due to COVID-19, but the maze is ready to return to give Suffolk a good fright.

“I think this time of year, especially this year with the pandemic, everyone needs a little fright and fun,” said William VanHorn, co-founder of Highland Hauntings.

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In 2015, VanHorn and his long-time friend Danny Lester decided to create a haunted maze for folks too old for trick-or-treating but still wanting something fun to do. The crowd for the maze has grown over the years, and the pair are ready to be back and scaring the folks of Suffolk.

The maze is free to anyone who dares to enter. However, those who would like to donate are encouraged to do so. All donations go directly to March of Dimes.

“The main reason we started was to help them out,” said VanHorn. “It’s great because it’s fun for us and we can be a help for them.”

Folks who dare to enter the haunted cardboard maze will experience lights, fog and, of course, three to six people waiting around the corners to jump out and scare you. According to VanHorn, this year’s maze may have a pirate theme, but the plan is still in the works.

Construction of the maze will start around the Tuesday before the Halloween weekend. VanHorn and Lester thanked Continental Terminals Inc. for donating the cardboard that will create the spooky maze.

The maze is not for the faint of heart, as it is known for giving a good scare to those who visit. Because of this, this year for younger kids there is a no-scare option for those who want to take part but are not quite ready for the full experience. The monsters in the maze will be informed not to jump out for that particular group.

If anyone would like to contribute to the maze, anything scary or spooky will be put to use. Decorations, masks, costumes and babydolls are all welcomed for this and future scares.

“We’re thankful for anyone who comes through the maze, even if they don’t donate,” said VanHorn. “Everyone who goes through makes all the effort worth it. Every time someone goes through, it sends a jolt of excitement to everyone in the maze, and it’s fun.”

To learn more, visit the Highland Hauntings Facebook page.