Every October for the last seven years, the driveway at a home in Coquitlam has transformed into a haunted house.
Those who enter Mac’s House of Horror on Forestridge Place will be greeted by skeletons, clowns, zombies, anamatronics, and more.
Macarthy Whyzel, the mastermind behind the experience, says he was first inspired by his next-door neighbours, who have run their own haunted house for over 25 years.
Whyzel says preparing for the House of Horror has become a year-round concern.
“We start in late August, and it takes about a good three weeks to get things going.…Over the years, it’s increased dramatically. It started out quite small, but fortunately, over the last couple years — last year we had about 24,000 people throughout the month of October, and this year we’re projected to be the same.”
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He says he spends the rest of the year shopping for decorations at “off-season” prices.
“I’m quite good with Facebook Marketplace… however, over the years, I’ve probably sunk $5,000 to $10,000 into it.”
Whyzel says the investment is worthwhile, as the house draws visitors from all around the Lower Mainland.
“The farthest I think we’ve heard was [from] Chilliwack, which was amazing. And again, it’s a lot of respect, a lot of folks happy with the work that we do, and it’s a great community event,” he said.
Admissions is purely by donation, with all the proceeds going towards Backpack Buddies, a charity that helps kids and families dealing with food insecurity. So far, the house has raised almost $4,000.