By Chuck Cook.
Grim’s Haunted House is an event created by Chuck Cook and Frank Mucciacciaro here in Haddam. Now in its fourth consecutive year, we are happy to have Ryan Cleveland on our team with all of his Haunted creations. This is a safe 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 and 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. Church says that “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 Mucciacciano who shared the same passion for Halloween as I did.” As a result of having the “good fortune of being introduced to Frank,” Chuck says that he and Frank 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 those volunteers. It takes a full week to set up the space. Volunteers are needed to help set up, take down, and also work during the event. While the Haddam Park & Recreation handles the Trunk or Treat portion of the event, Chuck’s wife Brenda and wife’s daughter Linda Mik see to it that the face painting, games, candy, and prizes “for the little ones” are in ample supply!
The Haunted House is open both Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Trunk or Treat, face painting, and kids games are only open on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Bring the whole family down to the Higganum Community Center!
