Reynolds treats kids to Halloween haunted house

By ANNA AUSTIN
Halloween is just around the corner and most parents’ heads are spinning trying to think of a safe — yet fun — way their kids can enjoy the night.
Reynolds has a trick up its sleeve — a haunted house — and a treat — warm, indoor Halloween fun.
In its second year, the haunted house is put on by members of the community, volunteers and people who were on the committee for the Reynolds 125+2 celebration last summer.
There is a change of location this year — the old city hall on Main Street will be transformed into a spooky ideal haunted house.
Very fitting, since the city hall has been used for social gatherings and school-oriented events such as plays and dance practices in the past and is also one of the oldest buildings in town.
For quite some time, the committee has been purchasing props and decorations for the project.
According to organizer Missy Adams, the Vettel family of Caledonia has donated many materials to the project.
“We’re always looking for volunteers, donations, or anything we can use,” she added. “We’ve had a lot of great feedback on the past planned events, and we decided to keep it up.”
The upstairs of the city hall is planned to be an area where kids can play games, visit sensory stations, and snack on “blood and guts,” otherwise known as popcorn and juice.
Downstairs will be the actual haunted house kids will be able to walk through on their own or with parents.
Apparently, there wasn’t a question whether to have another haunted house after last year’s turnout.
“For it being the first time we did this,” said Adams, “we had an overwhelming turnout. And since Reynolds’s celebration this summer, we’ve had a demand to keep these types activities going to keep the community engaged.”
The haunted house will open its creaky doors Saturday, October 27, from 6 to 11 p.m.; Sunday, October 28 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, October 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The cost is $5 per person, all proceeds going to pay for the project or to fund future community events.
“We’re hoping for another great turnout,” said Adams. “Nobody will be disappointed.”