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The Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department’s haunted house was a success.
The haunted house kicked off Sept. 25 and lasted until Halloween night. Fire Chief Jack Buckles said the turnout for the five-week weekend event was pretty good.
“The turnout was good. We had a pretty average turnout,” said Buckles. “We had actually hoped for a little bit better turnout, but we were pleased with what we got.”
The goal behind the haunted house was to aid in efforts to raise money for the construction of a new fire station. This was especially important as other fundraising opportunities, like selling fireworks, could not be done this year due to COVID-19.
Buckles said the haunted house fulfilled its goal of helping raise money.
The reactions from attendees also appeared to be positive as well.
“We had a couple of exit interviews with people, especially people we knew, where we asked what they thought,” said Buckles. “They seemed to like it. People said it was excellent, especially since it was our first year.”
While the station held a haunted house over 20 years ago, this was the most recent approach. Buckles said there is a possibility of a haunted house taking place again in the future.
While the ghosts and ghouls have been put away for the year, there are still ways to make donations to the fire station, which aid in everyday functions as well as construction of the new station. Mailouts, or letters asking for donations from residents on Stoney Creek, are being sent out.
Planning for future fundraising events and construction plans for the station are currently underway.
Buckles said the current goal is to enter into the construction phase of the new station by the spring of 2021. He also said he hopes for continued support from the community, which he noted they already do wonderfully.
With donations and fundraising plans still underway, Buckles said he hopes that the department does not have to take out any loans from the bank to help pay for the new station.
For the latest updates to the station or to inquire about donations, check out the Stoney Creek VFD Facebook page or call 423-474-2001.
“We think the haunted house was a success. Hopefully we can have some more fundraisers in the future,” said Buckles. “We did our best.”