Record donation for Rocky Ridge Halloween Haunt (17 photos)

Matthews Memorial Hospital Association chair, Lavera Crack is grateful to those who attended the Rocky Ridge Halloween Haunt and who graciously donated to the cause.

Just over $1,000 was collected.

"On behalf of the MMHA board we are very thankful for Barry and Bev Lyons, host of the Rocky Ridge Halloween Haunt, for selecting MMHA to donate funds collect to," Crack said. "What a wonderful and generous donation."

Money collected will officially be handed over to the board by the Lyons' at the next board meeting, Nov 13.

It's earmarked for maintenance and repair of the BridgeLink Medical Centre, Crack said.

Three of MMHA's board were among those who bravely entered the gruesome and frightful hallways.

This year saw 169 guests from youngsters to seniors who hailed from Sault Ste. Marie, Echo Bay, Desbarats and St. Joseph Island tour the haunt some hanging onto loved ones for support.

Those numbers were down slightly from last year.

Actors and actresses heard various, positive comments from guests, including "what a job," "great job, great cause," and "wonderful."

Other comments were a little more colourful and often spontaneously blurted out by guests of all ages in fear at one of the gruesome locations, such as waking Count Dracula.

The Jocelyn Township couple and about 21 volunteers who played various roles over the three evenings set the stage for one of the best events thus far.

Various themes were mapped out such as the hospital and recovery area, circus, mountain man, torture chamber, as well as a number of props in the blind runways.

Two volunteers were also noted as having traveled the farthest. Frank and Jackie Farrugia hail from Erin, Ont. and were on the Island visiting friend.

Named after her character, Samara James-Mousseau, 12, of Searchmont was the youngest actress volunteer.

"If it wasn't for the volunteers, this event would not be possible," Bev said.

This year Barry started a line of animatronics by introducing three characters and hopes to build on that next year. 

After last year and the overwhelming response, the Lyons expanded.

Volunteers were committed, and Barry said they had the space to host a large event within the horse barn, so the expansion began with more tunnels and pathways introduced.

Take down has already begun and so has plans for 2018.

Will you find the same props, characters or pathways next year, you'll have to come to St. Joseph Island to find out.

If you attended and would like to share your reviews, the Lyons would enjoy reading your comments by logging onto Rocky Ridge Halloween Haunt on Facebook.