The VIEX offices at Beban Park will be transformed over Halloween into a super-spooky haunted house. (submitted photos)

By Alex Rawnsley

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NANAIMO — This Halloween event might not be for the faint of heart, but it’s goal is sure to warm it.

Hauntvilles Horror is back for its fourth year trying to scare up some spooky-season-spirit with a new venue, and a new goal of raising money for the demolition and re-construction of the VIEX’s condemned barns.

Owen Stanley, operations manager for the event, told NanaimoNewsNOW lights, noises, monsters and more are all ready to give those brave enough an almighty scare at the fair office barn at Beban Park.

“If someone does go in and they’re too scared to go any further, we do have different exits through the haunt so they don’t have to walk through the whole thing, they can just go through the door and it’ll take them right outside.”

Show times start Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 from 7 p.m to 11 p.m., then again on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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Stanley noted they don’t have an age limit on the event, leaving the decision up to parents on whether their kids can go through.

He did note if kids are clearly upset in the lineup before, they will deny entry.

But once inside, expect the unexpected.

“We have about eight or nine actors throughout the inside of the haunt, then two or three who will be outside entertaining people in the lineup. We have a few animatronics here and there, but we’re mostly based off of actors.”

Clowns, a butcher, scarecrow and more are all characters featuring in this year’s display.

Stanley said his experience at the VIEX as a volunteer this past August highlighted to him the importance of replacing the condemned barns as soon as possible.

“They’re unable to use them for the fair that happens every year. I’m so used to seeing animals within the bars and they only had one tent that was put up with animals inside of it.”

More information on the Haunt is available on their website.

A comprehensive list of major Halloween attractions across the mid-Island is available here.

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