After six thrilling years, the beloved Fright Night at the Museum in Pima has officially come to an end. This Halloween haunted house, hosted by the Eastern Arizona Museum & Historical Society, has been a cornerstone of Gila Valley’s Halloween traditions, drawing crowds eager for scares and community fun. However, with its primary goal achieved—raising funds to restore the WM Carter Farm Museum—the event will not return, leaving behind a legacy of frights, community spirit, and heartfelt gratitude.
A Successful Fundraiser Reaches Its Goal
Fright Night at the Museum was launched six years ago with a clear mission: to fund critical repairs and restoration for the WM Carter Farm Museum. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Gila Valley community and a significant grant from the United Way of Graham & Greenlee Counties, that goal has been met. The WM Carter Farm Museum now boasts a new weatherproof roof, updated electrical systems, and proper windows, replacing plywood, transforming it into a fully functional space for housing museum artifacts and historical pieces.
However, these very improvements mean the building is no longer suitable for hosting a haunted house. The new infrastructure, while ideal for preserving history, cannot accommodate the elaborate setup required for Fright Night. According to organizers, the building’s new role as a storage space for museum artifacts, combined with logistical challenges, makes it impractical to continue the haunt.
Why Fright Night Won’t Continue
The decision to end Fright Night at the Museum was not made lightly. Organizers explored the possibility of relocating the event to another venue, but issues of liability, safety, and practicality proved insurmountable. Constructing the haunted house was a massive undertaking, with preparations beginning in September and continuing nonstop until opening night. Finding a new location with adequate electrical systems and weather protection during construction proved too challenging.
“We’re torn,” said Clint Woods, a key organizer of the event, in a heartfelt statement. “I want Fright Night to continue forever, but it’s just not practical. We reached our goal, and the building will be awesome once it’s complete… It breaks my heart to say we’re done.”
A Community Tradition Remembered
For six years, Fright Night at the Museum was a Halloween highlight in the Gila Valley, drawing long lines of thrill-seekers who braved the scares and left with memories of screams, laughter, and maybe a few choice words. The event’s success was a testament to the dedication of countless volunteers who brought the haunt to life each year, from designing spooky sets to donning costumes to terrify (and delight) attendees.
“We don’t have the words to express our gratitude for your support,” Woods said. “It was an incredible experience to be a part of!” The entire Woods family echoed this sentiment, thanking the community and, in particular, the volunteers who made the event possible. “You guys are incredible,” they added.
What’s Next for the Eastern Arizona Museum?
While Fright Night at the Museum may be over, the Eastern Arizona Museum & Historical Society is committed to keeping the Halloween spirit alive. The main museum will open its doors on Halloween night, offering a spooky yet family-friendly experience. Visitors can expect strobe lights, costumes, music, and a dimly lit atmosphere as they tour the museum. Trick-or-treaters are welcome to stop by for a treat or stay for a unique, eerie tour. “We know it’s not the same as the haunted house,” Woods said, “but we’ll keep the tradition of visiting the museum on Halloween night alive.”
Additionally, the museum is reviving its annual Chili Cook-Off, a popular October event that was paused during the years Fright Night took center stage. While the cook-off is a different vibe from the haunted house, organizers hope the community will rally around this event to continue supporting the museum’s mission of preserving local history.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The end of Fright Night at the Museum marks the close of a cherished chapter for the Gila Valley. For the Woods family and the countless volunteers who poured their hearts into the event, the memories of screams, community camaraderie, and the grueling (but rewarding) setup and cleanup will linger. “It was a good run of six years,” Clint Woods said. “We’ll miss doing it. We’ll miss hearing you scream and cuss, but we won’t miss the setup and cleanup. That was brutal.”
As the Eastern Arizona Museum moves forward with its newly restored facilities and fresh community events, the legacy of Fright Night at the Museum will remain a hauntingly beautiful memory for all who participated. The museum invites everyone to join them on Halloween night for a new tradition and to continue supporting the preservation of Gila Valley’s rich history.
For more information about upcoming events like the Chili Cook-Off or the Halloween night museum experience, visit the Eastern Arizona Museum & Historical Society’s website or follow local news on gilaherald.com.
