"I actually prefer Halloween over Christmas," says Blake De Jong as he gets his haunted house ready for the weekend.
The 20-year-old has been part of haunted house projects in the past, but this is his first time taking charge. His excitement is obvious.
"It's going to be an 'old hospital' theme. The people going through are going to be my students, and we're going to do doctor's rounds through three separate rooms: the operating room, emergency, and psych ward."
De Jong has found a great setting for his hospital: a 108-year-old house stripped bare for renovations. Dust from a recent sandblasting clings to the building's brick surfaces and blocks out the windows. The house's owner donated its use for Halloween.
Proceeds from the haunted house's $5 admission fee will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton.
De Jong isn't involved in the club, but chose it because he has good memories of the organization from his school years. A number of local businesses have offered support in the form of generous door prizes.
A few volunteers are already assisting with the haunted house, but De Jong says he could still use more help.
The haunted house will run at 82 Third Avenue North from 4 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 4 to 11 on Halloween night.
