Those looking for a good scare this Halloween need look no further than Second Street in Fennimore. The second annual Haunted Basement will take place in the lower level of the Fennimore United Methodist Church Oct. 23 and 30, and will also be open during the community’s Halloween Hoopla Oct. 31. All proceeds from the Haunted Basement will be donated to the Fennimore Food Pantry. The event is sponsored by the Fennimore United Methodist Church Christian Education Department. Renee Zintz, an active church member, said the Haunted Basement crew has high hopes for this year’s event.
“We had about 400 people come through the basement last year, and they just loved it,” Zintz said. “We are hoping we can triple those numbers this year. We have even begun to advertise statewide.”
While last year’s Haunted Basement was free of charge, this year a $1 donation and/or a canned good is asked per trip.
“With the holidays just around the corner, this is the time that our food pantry is really in need of supplies,” Zintz said. “This can be a very tough time for those families in need, so what better way to help out locally than by donating to the food pantry.”
Participants can also expect numerous new thrills this year, as animated props have been under construction since last June.
“We have a great crew who has been hard at work and put in a lot of hours the past couple weeks,” Zintz said. “Our techno guru Paul Adney has been working on the lights and wiring since June. The animation is very high tech.”
Zintz hinted about some of the new features, including a breathing graveyard and an “eyeclops”.
“We don’t want to give away too many of the details, but there is a lot to leave to the imagination.”
The Haunted Basement will be open from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 and 30 and from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween night.
“This is a great way for the whole family to come out and have a fun time together,” Zintz said. “We are open to all ages. There will be some viewings for the younger children with part of the lights on to make it not quite as scary.”
“We think our Haunted Basement is something everyone will enjoy,” Adney said. “We’ve put lots of thought and time and time into this to make it one of the better haunted houses in the area. Hopefully this can become an annual fundraiser for the pantry.”