Bailey Haunted Firehouse returns

    A ghoulishly frightening experience awaits all those who dare enter the Bailey Haunted Firehouse.

    The popular annual Halloween event returns for the seventh year and coordinator Jason Combs said hopes are this year’s haunted firehouse will be spookier than ever.

    “I always wonder what we can do to top the previous year,” Combs said. “Well, we topped it in leaps and bounds. We had people working late every night to get the haunted house finished and ready for opening night.”

    Combs said several new themes will be introduced this year, similar to last year’s vortex tunnel.

    “People came two or three times last year, just to see the spinning tunnel,” Combs said. “Just be ready for some thrilling new surprises that will top the spinning tunnel experience.”

    Southeast Lauderdale High School Librarian Donna Sprabery said she has taken a group of students to the haunted house each year since the first one.

    “The kids really enjoy going, and so do the parents and teachers,” Sprabery said. “From the minute you get in line they are scaring you, even before you enter the building.”

    Southeast Lauderdale High School Seniors Alec Marlow and Lauren Yeager said the haunted house gets scarier each year.

    “I am always frightened by the guy that chases you with the knife all over the parking lot,” Marlow said.

    “The spinning tunnel makes me dizzy and makes me feel like I don’t know where I am,” Yeager said.

    Sophomore Blair Black will be coming back although she knows she will be scared.

    “I am terrified of clowns; they follow you from one room to the other,” Black said. “There is also a girl that sits in a corner, and pops up everywhere.”

    Combs said the haunted firehouse, which began as a fundraiser for the three Bailey volunteer fire departments, has mushroomed into an annual even that attracts more than 600 people nightly.

    “That first year, we were amazed at how well it worked out, and we haven’t looked back since,” Combs said.

    There will be concessions on site, with popcorn, nachos, soft drinks, cotton candy and hot chocolate for sale.

    Combs said security will be on hand each night to help with crowd control and ensure everyone’s safety.