Halloween event raises funds for I-S juniors

By Holly Neumann

The Iola Haunted Mill 2017, located at 300 N. Main St., in Iola, will open at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21.

“We are still finalizing plans for spooking, haunting and fun fright,” said advisor Jill Willems. “The junior class is doing a great job using their creativity to bring you their best fear factor. You can expect to have your senses tantalized and tested. We like to keep the details of the interior secret for the most part to help create surprise and anticipation.”

The event is a fundraiser for the junior class at Iola-Scandinavia. Funds raised are used to help pay for their prom and other activities.

Tom Fucik, owner of the Iola Mill, donates the space.

“The mill is the perfect place for this event,” Willems said. “Tom actually envisioned a haunted mill and offered it four years ago as a fundraiser for the kids.”

With Fucik’s help, the junior class and the whole community benefit.

“Let’s face it, getting a little spooky experience is a thrill during this fun season,” said Willems. “Designing and producing the Haunted Mill gets the juniors, their families and several community members involved. We’re not sending anybody door-to-door with sales or begging anyone to purchase merchandise. We are inviting the town and surrounding communities to come to us to enjoy our frightful production.”

Full Fright nights will take place at the Haunted Mill on; from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21; from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27; from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28; and from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.

A milder, but still scary version of the Haunted Mill will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 28.

And from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 29 it will be lights on – a child friendly, non-scary version. There will be tricks and treats for the children, who are encouraged to bring a goodie bag.

Ticket will cost $5 for 12 and younger and $8 for 13 and older. Admission on Oct. 29 will be $3.

Anyone bringing in a food pantry item will receive $1 off of admission.

The Iola Haunted Mill can be followed on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/iolahauntedmill/.