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closePERRY — Alongside U.S. 41 sits an old barn that for the next few weeks has been turned into the scariest place in Houston County, guaranteed to bring a scream to your throat.
The reasons behind its existence are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
The Haunted Barn was originally the idea of Bryan Davee, who had long dreamed of bringing a haunted house to the area. But Davee’s intentions were thwarted several months back when his workshop — and place of business — was struck by lightning during a storm and burned to the ground.
“It was just unbelievable how people in this community pitched in to help,” said Rodney Grim, another force behind the Haunted Barn and a longtime friend of Davee.
“People he didn’t know would drive up and hand him money. Others would leave tools by the fence. The community support was overwhelming.”
Still in the process of rebuilding his business, Davee wasn’t sure if he could continue with plans for the haunted house until a conversation with Jimmy and Piper Steffen. They offered the use of their barn, and the Haunted Barn was born. The barn was built in the 1920s. Jimmy Steffen said it seemed a natural place to hold a haunted house.
“We have heard some creepy things out in the barn,” he laughed, “and just wanted to give them some company.”
Proceeds raised from the Haunted Barn will be donated to the Humane Society, currently trying to raise money to build a facility to house animals.
“We just want to give back to the community,” Grim said.
An unique feature of the haunted barn is that there isn’t a line. A mini theater has been set up outside where people can wait until their number is called. Also outside is a “graveyard” for people to stroll before their journey through the haunted barn.
The movies being shown are appropriate for all ages, Grim guaranteed.
“We want people to come and have fun in a clean family atmosphere,” Grim said.
On Sunday evenings the scariness inside will be toned down for young children
Exits are provided throughout for those that start on the tour and decide they don’t want to continue.
Rooms on the Haunted Barn tour are typical scary scenes, except that the Haunted Barn volunteers have added their own flair and imagination. Rooms are on short circuit television, with operators behind the scenes to make sure that the scare comes at just the right time.
The Haunted Barn has been a total volunteer effort. The Perry Players have provided actors for several of the rooms to give the automated devices a bit of life.
“You talk about acting,” Grim said. “Those teenagers from the Perry Players are as good as it gets. But all of our volunteers are what have really made the Haunted Barn.”
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The Haunted Barn is now open Fridays to Sundays from 8 p.m. to midnight. Beginning Oct. 23, it will be open every night until Halloween. All proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society. The Humane Society will also hold an auction on site, with more than 30 items that will be given away on Halloween night.
The Haunted Barn is located on U.S. 41 between Sandefur Road and the Perry Parkway. For more information, go to perryhauntedbarn.com.
Contact Alline Kent at allinekent@cox.net or 386-2467.
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