People flocked to the theaters recently to catch the latest installment of the “Pirates of the Carribean” trilogy and each week millions of viewers tune in to see how things are playing out on the current seasons of “Survivor” and “Lost”.
But forget the fantasy of movies and the drama of TV, starting this weekend, individuals can take part in their own adventure, visiting the “haunted island” in Sinking Valley.
Visiting Long’s Haunted House at the Sinking Valley Fairgrounds has become a yearly tradition for many individuals, and this year is no different.
Since the early 60s, the Long family has been scaring both young and old alike during the Halloween season.
This year proves to be no different as the family has once again opened its imagination and the doors to an exhibition building at the Sinking Valley Fairgrounds for Long’s Haunted House.
This year visitors will go on a pirate’s adventure, searching for the cursed treasure. Along the way they should expect to encounter a variety of creatures including a witch doctor.
According to Sarah Long, the tradition of Long’s Haunted House began over 35 years ago when she was planning a Halloween party for members of her church. The idea came up to create a haunted house in the Long’s barn. First it was just the church congregation touring the house, but as the years went on, the size of the project grew. Now, thousands of people visit this community attraction each year. The project grew so much over the years, eventually it had to be moved to the Sinking Valley Fair Grounds to accommodate the growing number of fright-seeking fans. This year marks the family’s 11th year at the fair grounds.
Sarah’s son, Greg Long, said he started building the sets when he was in high school.
According to Greg, the family is always looking for ideas and items to use for the next haunted house.
“We are always looking for things we can use for the set,” he said. “If something looks interesting, we’ll pick it and figure out how to use it later.”
As for the cost of building a haunted house, Greg said they recycle a lot of the materials from year to year.
Building these sets for so many years does have some advantages and visitors will notice in the last two or three years there have been more special effects.
“We are trying to create more visual details to set the mood and get visitors more into the themes,” said Greg.
Also instrumental in the creation of the haunted house is Jeff and Dana Loose, along with their children Shaye and Lance.
“Without them, it wouldn’t happen,” said Greg.
The hauntings begin tonight and will continue tomorrow from 7 to 10 p.m. The haunted house will then be open October 19-22 and 26-31 from 7 to 10 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 10-years-old and under.
Individuals interested in booking a private party, or who would like more information, may call 684-8441 or 684-7469.
All proceeds from this event benefit the Sinking Valley Farm Show. The Sinking Valley Fairgrounds are located off the I-99 Bellwood exit (bottom of Skelp).
