By Heather Skinner
ESPERANCE — This was the 29th year Esperance Elks ran a Haunted House, and the 2nd year they offered a No-Scare Sunday Haunted House option on October 26th.
Vanessa put 180 hours in at the Elks Lodge to set up for the event and is, “Extremely proud of every single person here.”
Friday and Saturday their Haunted House was filled with glow-in-the-dark paint, chainsaws, blood-curdling screams, and a variety of undead zombie and outer space alien-themed frights from 6-9PM, then No-Scare Sunday was from noon-4PM.
Those coming for No-Scare Sunday were brought through in groups and invited to rip anything off the wall that scared them to bring to bins at the exit. Vanessa explained that last year they realized there were a lot of people who were scared, so they got a really good turnout for their 1st No-Scare Sunday and will continue to offer a No-Scare day next year.
Some families found attending today helpful for gauging if their kids were ready for a haunted house, and in turn, the No-Scare Sunday participation helps volunteers reduce cleanup time. Vanessa said, “Total donations were $1,110 and I couldn’t be more proud!”
Vanessa credited “Heritage Farm in Duanesburg” for donating pumpkins and told people coming out from the Haunted House not to leave empty handed; there were donuts, cider, they were giving out small pumpkins, and Vanessa’s daughter, Kylar, came up with an outdoor hay bale scavenger hunt. Kids could find candy, as well as trophies and plastic pumpkins with medals inside to turn in for prizes.
The event gave kids multiple opportunities for agency by seeing behind the scenes of a Haunted House, taking it apart, and once they turned in scavenger hunt finds for their prize, they were invited to take part in the fun of getting to rehide the pieces they found for the next kids to find.
They started a new tradition this year of ending the Haunted House by letting the kids scare the adults. Vanessa said, “These kids were amazing and they did a really great job!”
Vanessa explained that last year’s haunted house theme was classic horror movies and next year, “It’s our 30th year; we are going to have a giant carnival and it will be wonderful!” They plan to offer 2 full weekends of Crazy Carnival events, equallying 4 haunted house nights next year instead of 2 haunted house nights like this year. Vanessa shared, “Halloween is my favorite thing in the world.”
Follow Esperance Elks #2507 on Facebook for updates and upcoming events. Sunday November 2nd is the annual Elks Hoop Shoot Free-Throw Contest in the Schoharie High School Jr/Sr High School Gym at 9AM for kids ages 8-13.
Many of their upcoming events are currently listed on Facebook as a 3-Ball Tournament with the description, “Join us at the Lodge every Monday night for games of three-ball pool. $5 entry fee. Contact Donna for more info.”
Esperance Elks Lodge is located at 111 Main Street and Vanessa wants you to know the Esperance Elks Farmer’s Lodge is here as a place to come hang out with your family.
Vanessa giving a high-five, “I love this, you guys are doing an awesome job!” Names of volunteers who dedicated their time to make this year’s Haunted House a success were supplied by Vanessa and include Co-chair Clif, Ben, Mat, Kylar, Kaysen, Zac, Max, Zachary, Lucas, Megan, Marty , Castle family, Nick, Jamie, Marty Sr, Lyza, Layla, Jason, Michael, Randy, Doug, Chad Jr, Rylee, Tori, Darin, Venus, Mike, Deana, Dave, Steve, Travis, Jeanette, Pat, & Charlie.
Kylar Harpster came up with the idea of a scavenger hunt outside of the Elks Lodge.
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