Braintree’s Haunted House a treat for brave people — and local schools

As Halloween rolls around, everyone has their eyes set on certain things: buying candy on sale, putting up lights, or deciding which costume to wear. But when does this process begin? Certainly not in July — but for some, that’s just the case. And by late August, they are vigorously working to scare others for Halloween.

Braintree’s Haunted House is unlike most others, because life is almost year-round there.

“We are an all-volunteer organization,’’ said John “Jay” Nelson. “Every actor, every ticket sales person, every security person is a volunteer. We are essentially self-funded.”

Hours of work starting in August are spent building and refining the structure. Justin Casanova takes the experience as a big opportunity.

“It’s worth it in the end when given the chance to act and get into character and raise money for the kids,” he said.

Matthew Sterling asks of his contributions, “Committed, or crazy?”

The volunteers make up one of the largest fund-raisers for Braintree’s two elementary schools, and their time, money, and passion make the three-day event possible. All proceeds of the event — which runs from Thursday, Oct. 23 to Saturday, Oct. 25 — go to the schools’ funds to make the experiences for the children that much better.

This year’s Haunted House is not one to miss.

After failing to find a suitable building, the volunteers were generously offered a town-owned building for the season at no charge by Mayor Joseph Sullivan.

Last year, despite a lack of volunteers and funding, the event was very successful, although a theft cost the house $1,000.

Especially noteworthy is the contribution of Gary Jenks, whose donation of three trailers in the aftermath of the theft helped to make the event possible in the first place. The contributions of F.X. Messina Enterprises and Mayor Sullivan have also been a major boost.

This year’s space offered new possibilities, as Braintree’s Haunted House will finally consists of an additional floor. The volunteer group — knowing that one year the Haunted House earned $10,000 for each school — is somehow on pace to out-do itself this season with Terror at Diablo Junction.

Although some may believe they have outgrown Halloween, this volunteer group can bring back fears of the dark. Watch out for a number of surprises from incredible creatures, which are fully intent on maximizing your Halloween experience, especially as bartenders at the Shady Lady. The stygian bar is accompanied by a creepy poker table that makes each guests’ imagination run wild.

The magic of the haunted house will be on full display Thursday, Oct. 23, Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, at 90 Pond Street, Braintree. The first night (Thursday) is “Not So Scary” night. In order to let elementary school kids join in the fun, the lights are on, the music is toned down, and the animatronics are either not in use or covered up. The haunted house is open from 6-8:30 p.m. Admission price for Thursday is $6 per person.

Friday and Saturday nights are spooky nights full of creative ways to scare everyone and without restrictions, and admission is $8 a ticket. Doors are open from 6-10 p.m.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase all three nights. Make sure to stop by the event, and you will surely realize that you have overestimated your immunity to Halloween fright!

(For more information on Braintree’s Haunted House, go to  http://braintreeshauntedhouse.com/. )

–Oct. 23, 2014–