Staff Reports
PIMA – One of the spookiest haunted houses in the Gila Valley returns this week Thursday – Saturday, and on Halloween at the Eastern Arizona Museum at the corner of Main Street and Highway 70 in Pima.
This is the sixth straight year the haunted house “Fright at the Museum” is held at the W.M. Carter Farm Museum, but with a recent United Way grant to repair the roof, it could be the last year the event takes place in that building, according to organizer Clint Woods.
This year’s event runs Thursday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Oct. 26, from 7 – 9 p.m. and on Halloween Night, Thursday, Oct. 31, from 7 – 9 p.m. Cost is just $5 per head with all proceeds benefiting the Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society.
As with last year, the volunteer staff will also be offering a peak under the veil with “no-scare” tours to take in the spectacle and enormity of what the many hours of work have transpired. No-scare tours are also $5 a head and run Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. – noon.
This year, the Museum has an all-new path with many new areas along with popular returning sections. Additionally, the infamous tunnel has been upgraded yet again. Volunteers have been working for the last few weeks to prepare their sections for opening night. If previous years have taught us anything, it’s to make sure you come early.
The Fright at the Museum will only be open for four nights this year, Thursday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Oct. 26, from 7 – 9 p.m., and Halloween Night on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 7 – 9 p.m.
No-scare tours are offered on Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. During these hours, there will be no live actors, all lights will be on, and each group will be walked through with a guide who can explain the various sections.
“We know many would like to support the good cause but have no interest in attending the haunted house. For those people, the no scare on Friday or Saturday morning is the perfect way to show support,” said organizer Clint Woods. All proceeds from the event go directly to the Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society.
Woods said that with the upcoming roof repairs, the haunted house may have to find a new home next year, but that the push from the community is there to continue the tradition.
“What the future holds for the haunt and the fundraiser remains to be seen,” Woods said. “We do want to continue the fun event. We’ll just have to hammer out the details of a possible location.”
So for this year, be sure to get your spot this Thursday – Saturday or on Halloween Night and take part in a bit of Halloween history.