Haunted House to benefit 10-year-old girl: Halloween attraction set for Oct 30-31, Nov. 1

SOUTH GLENS FALLS >> Who’s afraid of the dark?

Just about everybody after visiting the Haunted House at South Glens Falls Eagles club headquarters this Halloween.

Once again, the organization is preparing a hair-raising experience for local residents, who will be contributing to a good cause by visiting the attraction.

There is no admission fee, but donations will be collected to offset medical expenses for 10-year-old Kolbi McKinney who has a rare genetic disorder called glutaric acidemia type-1, in which the body is unable to process certain proteins properly.

“The Eagles motto is ‘People Helping People,’ ” said Jeff Morris, Haunted House co-organizer. “Our volunteers work for weeks preparing the Haunted House experience. We change it up each year with a different layout and different features.”

The Haunted House is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 30-31 and 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 80 Main St., South Glens Falls.

There is one rule: Expect to be scared.

One year, a full-body zombie came after people, who ran screaming from the walk-through maze of frights.

But visitors can also warm up afterwards outside the Haunted House where snacks and beverages will be served around a cozy fireplace.

Morris organizes the Haunted House with Don Woodard of Saratoga Springs, club President Chris Hadsell and auxiliary President Eric McAllister. Morris’ son, Jarrett, helps put the attraction together.

The Haunted House was started nine years ago by Lori and Joe Darrow and benefits a different charitable cause each year.

McKinney fell ill two days after her first birthday. The disease caused her body to accumulate an overload of protein, causing damage to her brain. She has had many surgeries and hospital stays.

This is the Haunted House’s ninth year.

“It keeps growing each year,” Lori Darrow said. “The key thing is that it’s all about donations. It’s unbelievable how much people donate.”

On a scale of one to 10, the Haunted House has a pretty good fear factor, she said.

“I’d give it an eight,” Darrow said.

For information call (518) 793-4511.