Spooky in Malta

For the past 14 years, the Phillips County Ambulance Association (PCAA) has hosted their Haunted House at Stretch's Pizza in Malta and over that time, they have acquired their fair share of Halloween props.

Gina Lamb, member of the PCAA and head ghoul for the Haunted House, said that no less than 25 props require more than one person to carry and the number of small Halloween items are too numerous to count. Lamb said there should be at least 12 spooky displays in the basement this year and said that regardless of the number of frights, it's the community who makes the Haunted House what it has become over the years.

"We get so many people who ask if they can help out on those nights and it is very appreciated," she said. "The first two years we hosted the Haunted House, we did so in the back room at Stretch's and then moved to the basement where it has been ever since."

Lamb said that former Stretch's Pizza owner Lucy Newby was a big supporter of the PCAA and allowed the building to be used for the annual event and current owners Shawna and Earl Smith have been just as supportive.

"And then all the employees at Stretch's are also very supportive and are excited that we come back each year," Lamb added.

The Haunted House will again be held over two nights, Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Admission for the event is $5 for a first visit ($4 with a donated canned good which will go to the Malta Food Bank) and each subsequent trip through the halls of the Haunted House cost $4. A total of 274 guests visited the house last year (down just a tick from 2016) and Lamb said that sometimes attendance is down depending on where postseason high school football and volleyball is being played (she added that if those teams make it back to town early enough, hours could possibly be extended so those student-athletes and their families could come and visit.) Monies raised at the event go back to the PCAA and when enough funds are raised, local benefits and charities have been gifted money (in 2016, for instance, the Malta City Pool received a donation toward the restoration of the facilities.)

Lamb said that people have already donated new items for this year's Haunted House and several spooky items from year's passed will be making their return (though she would not divulge these secrets.)

"We are always looking for help the night of the event, but anyone who helps is sworn to secrecy, so we don't ruin any surprises," Lamb said. Anyone wanting to help volunteer to help with the Haunted House is encouraged to call Lamb at 654-7403 (seriously scary inquiries only.)

As in years past, Heather Jenkins and Jessica Weston will be doing the makeup for the players posted inside the Haunted House.

"They spend about two hours each night making everyone up and they do a wonderful job," Lamb said.

If you have ever talked with Lamb (and her family, who with friends make sure the event comes off each year) you know that she is always excited for the Haunted House. She said of all the things she enjoys about the two nights, it's the familiar faces that she most looks forward to.

"Seeing people come back and get excited about it every year is my favorite part," she said. "That is why we do it every year because we have such a good outcome. It's a little nerve-wracking right up until we open the doors, and then everything goes smoothly. We look forward to seeing everyone this year."

AS always, the Haunted House will be scary, but not scary enough that anyone should fear to attend. Be there and be scared.