As Halloween approaches, the ghosts and goblins at the Haunted Grotto will be sending chills down the spines of individuals for the next several days.
"We have several new surprises in store this year," Co-chair Mikhail Stith said of the fifth annual Haunted Grotto. "It is a work in progress and planning all year round. Major construction begins in July."
Three months before opening the Haunted Grotto, Stith said he and others meet a few nights a week to begin planning the layout and construction of the spooky space.
To keep new frights around every corner of the winding path of twisting hallways, Stith and other Aad Enterprise members travel to the Transworld Halloween and Attraction Show in St. Louis each year.
"This is the largest trade show in the Haunt Industry," Stith said. "Vendors from around the country travel there each year to setup new displays and display new props, masks, costumes and more."
Throughout the year, Stith and other volunteers gather items to use for handmade props, ensuring no duplication of scares.
"Most of it is somebody else's junk or things they are getting rid of," he said. "Flea markets are also a good source for props and costumes."
Through the ideas of Aad Enterprise members and handmade, scary props, attendees will be greeted by not-so-happy clowns, chased by hillbillies and pay a visit to a dreadful chop shop.
A minimum of 25 people are needed nightly to spook thrill seekers attending the Haunted Grotto, Stith said. The volunteers arrive about two hours before the scarefest begins to "get in character" and apply make-up and costumes.
Admission for a scary, good time is $10 at the door. The Haunted Grotto will open at 7 p.m. and run until 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, 27, 28, 30 and 31 at 3102 Kennedy Lane.
While no age limit is set to attend the Haunted Grotto, parental discretion is advised.
Don't let the rain scare you, the haunting will go on rain or shine.
"We have an indoor staging if needed," Stith said.
All proceeds will go toward The Aad Grotto building and maintenance.