Bursting at the seams with blood, gore and other seasonal delights, the Creekside Insanitorium is once again open for business.
Erik and Lisa LaFlamme are back for a seventh year at their 796 Eckhardt Ave. E. residence to scare the pants, and whatever else they can, off their poor Halloween visitors.
“This year we extended the maze into the front yard, so it’s quite a bit longer. In fact, I don’t have any more real property I can use for a haunted house,” said Laflamme about this year’s offerings. “The one thing is Dr. Frank has gone missing, but his accomplice Igor is still helping out.”
Halloween is actually a year-round venture for the couple who spend much of their time dreaming up ways to give visitors the fright of the lives.
Related: Haunted house adds new thrills for Penticton
Helping deliver the scare tactics each are anywhere from a dozen to 20 actors who pop up at the most unexpected and not-so-opportune moments.
“”I guess it’s kind of a sickness and I admit a little warped, but it is just so much fun to see the reactions of people,” Erik said previously about his passion to offer the fright nights.
As in past years the couple encourage people to donate to the UpperDek Vees special needs hockey team who share the proceeds with their softball team.
Related: Video: Penticton family decks out their house for Halloween
Some of the UpperDek Vees will be on hand Halloween night with collection buckets and to talk to visitors about their program.
As well, non perishable goods will also be accepted for donation to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
“So cash or cans will get you in,” said Erik.
Since the Laflammes first started their haunted house activities one of the thing Erik is most proud of is the fact there are others in the community who have taken up the task of making Halloween really a night to forget by starting their own haunted houses.
“Yes, I guess you can say we’ve really been infectious, a curse we’re willing to bear,” he said with a smile.
Show time is from 7 to 10 p.m. with a special little kids “matinee” starting at 6 p.m. with lights on and no actors.
Other Halloween happenings:
One event you may not want to scream at is the Barley Mill Pub’s Scare-eoke evening. This adults-only event features free admission with the opportunity for attendees to spin the wheel and sing a ghostly tune starting at 8 p.m. There will be drinks and wings on special that evening as well as a costume contest.
It’s going to be a monster mash at the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos during the Halloween Monster’s Ball. The event, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m., will feature music, dancing, games, prizes and candy! Pumpkins from the carving and decorating contest will be on display with winners being announced at 7 p.m.
The Screamers Haunted House at 2582 Cornwall Dr. returns for one more nightmare evening from 6 to 11 p.m. Donations to the food bank accepted.
It isn’t all scares this Halloween, make sure you get your fair share of candy at the Penticton Church of Nazarene’s Trunk of Treat event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This free, outdoor event features a hot dog barbecue, decorated cars, hot chocolate and kids activities.
Â
@PentictonNews newstips@pentictonwesternnews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Mark Brett | Reporter
 MarkBrett
Send Mark Brett an email.
Like the Western News on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.
