Submitted by Chuck Cook.
(August 10, 2021) — Grim’s Haunted House is an event created by Chuck Cook, Frank Mucciacciaro & Ryan and Chelsea Cleveland here in Haddam. Now in its fifth year, this is a family-friendly event for the entire family. In addition, the fun coincides with a good cause effort: donations will be accepted for both the Haddam Food Bank and Fuel Banks.
The Haunted House, Kids’ Games & Face Painting are the brainchild of Chuck Cook. Although the event began in 2016, the inspiration for it actually stemmed from the time he made a coffin for a Halloween party to celebrate with his then 10-year-old granddaughter. Fast forward 14 years later, the inspiration has expanded, and the event “is growing in popularity every year.”
By the time 2016 came around, Chuck was in need for a “place to showcase it all.” He took up someone’s suggestion to contact Cindy MacNeil-Sola, then-Economic Development Coordinator. Chuck said, “Cindy was very happy to let us use the Community Center for the event.” In addition, “it was at this time I was also introduced to Frank Mucciacciaro & Ryan Cleveland who shared the same passion for Halloween as I did.” As a result of having the “good fortune of being introduced to Frank & Ryan,” Chuck says that we have made many of the props.
“Frank’s sons Matt and Ryan are programming geniuses (in my opinion) and they program and come up with all kinds of concepts.” What exactly goes into the Haunted House preparations? Chuck describes how nearly a dozen volunteers have assisted in the past and the event could not be held without the help from volunteers. It takes a full week to set the space up. This year volunteers are needed to help set-up, take down, work during the event in the Haunted House and also volunteer running the children’s games and face painters.
If interested in volunteering (kids can earn their community service), contact Grim’s Haunted House by email at grim5952@gmail.com or by telephone at 507-382-3416 (Chelsea) or leave a message or through Facebook Grim’s Haunted House.
While the Haddam Parks & Recreations handles the Trunk or Treat portion of the event, Chuck’s wife Brenda and wife’s daughter Linda see to it that the face painting, games, candy, and prizes “for the little ones” are in ample supply!
The Haunted House will be held this year, on Friday, October 22, Saturday, October 23, & Sunday October 24, 2021 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The Trunk or Treat, face painting and kids games are only open on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Since this year’s event will be the biggest and scariest yet, it has been moved from the Community Center to the Haddam Elementary School.
Bring the whole family for this wonderful, scary, free event!
