(Posted Oct. 18, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Masonic Lodge 269 in Mount Sterling is at it again. Their 4th Annual Haunted House weekend is coming up, and people of all ages are welcome to attend.
On Oct. 27-28, hours are 6 to 11 p.m. with strobe lights, fog, and other special effects in use. On Oct. 29, hours are 2-4 p.m. with strobe lights and fog turned off so that children and people with special needs or sensitivities can enjoy the spooky attraction. All of the fun takes place in and around the lodge at 54 N. London St.
Admission is free, though donations are much appreciated as they help the lodge to continue to offer the haunted house year after year. This year’s sponsor is the Mount Sterling Chamber of Commerce.
The 2023 theme is “Misfit Purge.” All of the decor, special effects, and characters are taking their cues from “The Purge” movie franchise. The basic premise is that crime is legal for 12 hours one night each year. The setting is an alternate reality of the United States.
“We’ll have motion sensor set-offs and lasers and everything from clowns to walls you think are there, but they’re not really walls. It’s going to be a rather interactive year,” said Tim Corbin, organizer.
Visitors will make their way from room to room on the first floor of the lodge, encountering scares and creepiness along the way. The experience finishes up with an exit out of the back of the building.
At the same time, several activities will take place outside the lodge, including children’s games, a deejay, and dancing. A costume contest for children is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday. New this year, visitors are invited to take out their frustrations in the Whack A Car feature. For $5, you can take a sledgehammer to a car for some stress release, Corbin said.
Concessions will be available for purchase. Options include hot chocolate, hot dogs, walking tacos, and kettle corn.
The Haunted House is run entirely by volunteers. Corbin estimates 35 to 40 volunteers will help this year by selling concessions, assisting with crowd control, dressing up and performing, and other tasks.
“And I never turn down anyone who wants to volunteer,” he added.
Last year, the Haunted House attracted more than 2,000 people.
“It’s always fun and exciting to put it together. One of the greatest things is seeing all the kids in the community coming together and having a good night and enjoying the town and what the town has to offer,” Corbin said.
To volunteer or for details, contact Tim Corbin at (614) 530-6212.
