Spooks on Spurr adds new trail
By Erik Buchinger
Spooks on Spurr will introduce a new trail in the second year of the haunted house in New London.
The 12-night event, located at W10140 Spurr Road will feature the Mansion of Misery in addition to the trail, which is being called the Forest of Freaks.
Pat Williams owns the property and is partners with Robin and Tom Wilson. The three collaborate to put together the haunted house, which began being constructed and planned since April.
In addition, live bands will play each night on stage with a bonfire and concession stand.
“People can buy the ticket, hang out and listen to music,” Robin said. “Then, wait for numbers to be called and enter the house. Nobody has to worry about waiting in line.”
Robin said the addition of the trail requires more help to put the haunted house together.
Robin said 30 employees are currently helping out but he would like to have 15-20 more workers.
For people interested in working, contact 920-538-2367 or check out the Spooks on Spurr Facebook page. Workers must be 15 years or older.
There were 2,600 people in 10 days the first year of the event, and Williams said the goal is to reach 15,000 attendees in year two.
“We’re hoping for bigger and better things this year,” Robin said.
The event will begin on Friday, Sept. 27, with another evening on Sept. 28. It will be open each Friday and Saturday night in October in addition to Halloween night.
A costume party is slated for Saturday, Nov. 2.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. to start selling tickets, and the house will open at 7 p.m.
“It was really sweet last year,” Robin said. “We got a lot of great response and people loved the way it worked out. Not having to stand in line was a big deal where people got to hang out, listen to music, have a beer and burger by the fire if they want.”
Spooky rumors
Williams said a unique aspect of Spooks on Spurr is the house built in the 1800s and is being used as the Mansion of Misery is rumored to be haunted.
“When we called the county for permits, I told them where it was and the person I talked to asked, ‘Isn’t that place haunted already,’” Williams said.
“They say there is a lady in a white dress that lives here,” Robin said.
The ideas for the haunted house come from Sam Switzer, and Kevin Quigley was brought in to help with the haunted trail.
“They do a fabulous job putting this together,” Robin said. “They don’t think like normal people think. It’s incredible what they can take and turn into something creepy for a haunted house, and the trail is going to be incredible.”
Evan Shepeck puts together the lighting and makes sure that runs smoothly.
Robin said people came from as far as three hours away last year and expect a lot of returning customers.
In addition, Robin and Williams said they are already brainstorming ideas for future years of Spooks on Spurr.
“People traveled a long ways to check this out,” Robin said. “We had a really good response for the first year. It was amazing, and we were really happy. I’m hoping for bigger and better things moving forward.”