Published Caption: Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal
Michael Grimes, creator of both Grimes Castle haunted houses in Carson City, said although business has been slow so far this year, he's pleased with the quality of fright.
"It's better than any year I've ever had," he said. "I've got more scare going in every week."
The 6,000-square-foot "Dungeon" opened the first weekend in October at 1809 N. Carson St. This year, he added a second, less freaky "Labyrinth" at the Carson Mall for children or anyone adverse to the violence and gore of the other site.
Because building two spook houses put him a bit behind schedule, he said, he had less time to focus on marketing.
But the people who have gone through have given him good feedback, he said.
"Some people have been through The Dungeon six times," Grimes said. "The basic themes stay the same, but the actors are a little different each time. The scares are different."
He said one boy went through four times in one night.
"When I think of that, it makes me smile," he said. "That's why I make it."
He said he expects business to pick up as it gets closer to Halloween, and encourages chill-seekers to come early to avoid long lines later.
Because of the three-day weekend for Nevada Day, both haunted houses will be open Thursday, Oct. 29 as well.
"This is really the weekend to come," he said. "It should be a nice pace, there won't be a two-hour wait in line."
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Carson City
• Halloween will be celebrated one day early this year in Carson City to avoid a conflict with the Nevada Day celebrations on Oct. 31.
Gov. Jim Gibbons will be giving candy to trick-or-treaters at the Governor's Mansion on Oct. 30 beginning at dusk.
• Trick-or-treat at Children's Museum: The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St., is hosting its annual Trick-or-Treat Time.
The safe trick-or-treating venue will be open 6-8 p.m. Oct. 29 and 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30. Children are encouraged to come in costume, and there will be activities available such as crafts and face-painting.
Cost is $3 per child. Adults are free. For more information, call the museum at 884-2226.
• Harvest Carnival at the Salvation Army, 661 Colorado St., will host its third annual Harvest Carnival at 5 p.m. Oct. 30.
Cost is one canned food donation per person. There will be a cupcake walk, bean bag toss, bowling and more.
For more information, call 887-9120.
• Family Fall Festival and Chili Cook-off: The Church on North Carson Street, 1855 N. Carson St., will be serving homemade chili and cornbread during the Family Fall Festival and Chili Cook-off 6-9 p.m. Oct. 30.
The free event will offer a bounce house, pony rides, carnival games, candy, music and a cake walk. Activities also will include an apple-eating contest and free drawing and prizes.
For more information, call 883-0202.
• Costume drive at Pioneer High School: English teacher Charity Graff and her students at Pioneer High School are collecting new and used costumes for needy children in the area.
Costumes can be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays at the school, 225 E. Park St. Anyone needing a costume can pick one up 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27.
Virginia City
• Bats in the Belfry ghost hunting tour, dinner and paranormal forum in Virginia City on Oct. 31. Cost is $60, and tickets are limited.
They are available in advance at Piper's Opera House, The Silver Queen Hotel and Steve's Army Surplus in Virginia City; Steve's location at 3356 Kietzke Lane, Reno; on the Web at virginiacityghosttours.com or by calling 775-815-1050.
Tickets must be purchased by midnight Oct. 27.
Carson Valley
Ghosts may be found on the streets and in the cemeteries for Haunted Weekend on Oct. 22-25, hosted by the Douglas County Historical Society and the Carson Valley Chamber & Visitors Authority.
Haunted Minden Ghost Walk is Oct. 22. Tours depart from the CVIC Hall in downtown Minden at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Advanced sale tickets available at Minden Town Office and Tumblewind.
Ghosts of town pioneers will be found on the streets for the Haunted Gardnerville Ghost Walk on Oct. 23. Tours depart from the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Hot cider served at the museum.
Haunted Genoa Ghost Walk is Oct. 25. Tours depart at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. from the Genoa Courthouse Museum on Main Street. Cost is $5 per person.
Information and advance tickets are at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 1477 Highway 395, Gardnerville, 782-2555.
Information can be found at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority, 800-727-7677 or www.visitcarsonvalley.org.