Tis the season for spooks and scares, and Jaycees’ Haunted House is serving the Sioux Falls community enough horror and fright to terrify even the most courageous participant. The attraction has been open for business for over 25 years, with its start in an abandoned house on Minnesota Avenue. Project advisor Brandon Callenius has divulged some of this year’s plans, anticipating the fright factor will top anything previously done. With not one, but two houses filled with terror, Jaycees’ Haunted House is an attraction to take in this Halloween season…if you dare.
What is Jaycees’ purpose as an organization, and what is their function within the community throughout the year?
Brandon Callenius: Jaycees represents Junior Chamber. It is a nationwide organization that was founded to create young leaders and professionals through business ventures and volunteering, leading projects such as the Haunted House. Throughout the year, the Jaycees focus on community development, hosting casino nights for holiday parties, filling sandboxes in the spring, and putting on the Fourth of July fireworks display for the Sioux Falls community to enjoy. Jaycees’ Haunted House is the biggest fundraiser of the year, with its proceeds going back into the organization’s event fund.
What goes into the preparation for the Haunted House?
BC: It takes over a month to set up the Haunted House to the scale that we do now. We have been located at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds for the past 15 years, moving into the fine arts building on September 1. Anyone from the community may volunteer in both the setup and production of the Haunted House. Some of our volunteers are members of Jaycees, but the majority are locals from the community who want to come out and have a good time scaring the pants off people. For a lot of our volunteers, the fairgrounds is their home away from home for the month of October.
We have so many amazing sponsors who we can’t thank enough. The majority of supplies and materials have been donated. Along with the typical costumes and haunted house props, we have a claw foot bathtub used in our setup, as well as a burned upright piano that was salvaged from a house fire. We’ve acquired some pretty unique items throughout the years, adding a lot of character to the attraction.
How do you come up with ideas for the Haunted House setup?
BC: We ask for ideas from volunteers at the end of each year. You’ll see a theme of Twisted Tales in this year’s house, taking scenes from Grimm’s Fairy Tales and turning them into life. I’ve heard talk of a demonic Minnie Mouse character, and one of the areas has been confirmed to be an Alice in Wonderland theme, with a Mad Hatter tea party room. We have some pretty creative ideas that come
from our volunteers, who are talented enough to evolve their
ideas into reality.
We also host Kid’s Day on the Sunday before Halloween. We want to have a kid-friendly event for those who are not quite ready to go through a major haunted house. They’re able to go through the attraction with the lights on and fun music playing, collecting candy as they go. The Sioux Falls Fire and Police Department make an appearance, interacting with the kids and giving away candy. It’s a fun day to be a part of.
What will set Jaycees’ Haunted House apart from others
this year?
BC: For the first time, Jaycees’ Haunted House will be offering a second attraction, Emily’s Closet. Made with 3D image panels, Emily’s Closet will have terror jumping off the walls, coming at you around every corner. It’s different than anything you’ve ever experienced in a haunted house. The 3D glasses you wear as you walk through make it frighteningly realistic. I’m excited to see the reaction that comes from our participants this year. It’s an extreme attraction to go through.
What keeps you coming back to be involved with Jaycees’ Haunted House each year?
BC: I have gained so many friends from this project, that’s one of my favorite aspects of being involved. This place creates camaraderie, people who have a common interest, loving what they’re doing, hanging out for 24 hours at a time. Not only have I made lifelong friends, I’ve learned so much from a business standpoint. It’s given me experience I can’t get anywhere else.
Many of us are able to say Jaycees has helped us become the
leaders we are today.
Bring a canned food item for the Sioux Falls Food Pantry and receive $2 off. For more info, visit:siouxfallshauntedhouse.com.
