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Red Deer’s Zed Haunted House provides chills and thrills through to Halloween

The local non-profit attraction is ranked No. 1 in North America
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The Zed Haunted House opened on Thursday at Parkland Mall in Red Deer. Proceeds help support Boys and Girls Club Programs in Central Alberta. (Photo by LANA MICHELIN/Advoate staff

Dim the lights and crank up the spooky sounds: “You are never alone in the dark” is the theme of the 31st annual Zed Haunted House that opened its doors on Thursday.

Besides bumping into assorted zombies, werewolves and vampires at this year’s haunted house, visitors will feel sensory chills from a Twilight Zone-ish “vortex” as well as some claustrophobic elements at the attraction at Parkland Mall.

“We are always challenged every year to come up with new twists and turns,” said John Johnston, community engagement manager for Youth HQ.

He’s thrilled the latest mix of shadowy figures and creepy props received a big thumbs-up from patrons at the Wednesday night preview.

”We got some fantastic feedback. People loved it,” added Johnston, who hopes to raise $100,000 for Boys and Girls Club programs across central Alberta from admission fees.

Red Deer’s Zed Haunted House recently received a big-time endorsement at the last conference of the International Haunted Attraction Association.

Of the 109 members, only six attractions were not-for-profit, said Johnston. And of these, the Zed Haunted House was ranked No. 1 — not only because of the amount of money taken in annually, but because of the huge number of volunteers and donated hours spent setting up and taking down the haunted house every year at different locations.

“They were amazed at our volunteer hours…”

This year, Johnston said about 50 Nova employees put in around 352 hours constructing for the event. And about 160 costumed actors provide nightly scares.

“A lot of (the teens) are from Youth HQ and the community, but there are also adult volunteers who have an affinity for Halloween.”

While Edmonton’s haunted attraction is embracing the evil nun from a recent horror movie, Johnston said “we stayed away from that”— just as local organizers didn’t go for the dead babies that were popular in a previous year. These loaded themes would be upsetting to some people, “so we go for a broad range of characters” that appeal to a wide audience, he added.

Evening shows are not recommended for children under age 10. Afternoon matinees are less creepy. Johnston said, “We cover up the gore room. The idea is to entertain in a fun, safe environment, not traumatize your kids for life.”

The shows run from 6-10 p.m. nightly until Halloween. Weekend matinees are 1-4 p.m. There will be a number of special feature nights. The haunted house is located on the north side of the mall, by Goodlife Fitness. For more information, visit wwwyouthhq.ca.