A terrifying trip through time will be the theme of this year’s Ghost Ridge – the annual haunted house to benefit community charities.
“Every year it’s different. This year, it’s ‘Timeline of Terror,’” said organizer Lorraine Bates. “It’s a journey from caveman times, through the French Revolution, right to futuristic.”
The haunted house is designed and assembled by community volunteers, who mostly err on the side of being scary.
“They strive to be gory and gross,” allows Bates. “And they want people to get their money’s worth.”
Each year, volunteers get a chance tap their inner George Romero, the zombie movie maestro, and design the district’s premier fright night destination.
This Halloween, the Maple Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club, the Invitius Alliance (LARP), the Ridge Meadows Bruins Rugby ladies team and the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association are the four groups who will assemble and staff Ghost Ridge.
It’s a big job.
“It takes a good month, and it’s a lot of work,” said Bates.
But each organization can expect to garner some $5,000 for their efforts.
There are also 61 high school students involved. They have been through auditions, and some have major roles, while others might help with makeup and costumes or food services.
“They love it. It’s a way of getting volunteer hours (needed for school), but they’re also having a lot of fun,” said Bates.
The first Ghost Ridge was nine years ago in 2004, and each year it has steadily improved into this year’s spectacle, which will draws thousands of people.
Timeline of Terror will be held at the Albion Fairgrounds from Oct. 25 to 30, from 6-9 p.m. each night. On Oct. 30, there will be a fireworks display at 7 p.m.
There will be opportunities to see the Timeline of Terror with the lights on no characters in the sets, for children and the faint of heart. Those family friendly hours are 5-6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
“Not everyone wants to leave with their hair standing up,” observes Bates.
• For more information see www.ghostridge.org or www.facebook.com/ghostridge.