Halloween fun in Carson keeps getting better

A Carson City man who knows first-hand what it feels like to be homeless is reaching out to help others in the same circumstances, while at the same time providing a first-class haunted house.

Jason Stinson has been working since August on an elaborate haunted house at the corner of Broadleaf and Northgate which will open at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-31.

Admission is free with a canned food item or item of winter clothing. Stinson plans to donate the food to Carson City food banks and shelters.

"When I was growing up, I did some work feeding the homeless, and a few years ago, I was homeless myself for four months, living in my car, showering at a friend's house and wondering every day how I was going to eat that night," Stinson said.

"God has now dealt me a good hand, and I wanted to do something to help," he said. "Everything we collect, we want to be sure the homeless get for free."

Stinson has already converted his entire backyard into alleys of terror.

"This is a quality haunted house with stage lighting, fog machines and a mixture of seven real-life actors and stage props," he said. "I have worked for Ed & Ted's Excellent Lighting while I was on the Green Day tour in 2005, and I have a lot of experience with special effects."

He said his haunted house promises to scare adults, but that he can tone it down considerably for little ones to enjoy.

"Your journey into the depths begins with a tour through the witch's cavern, as she warns you to not go any further. She knows that there is only one way out - through the graveyard," Stinson said. "As you pass through the haunted nursery, beware of Dracula and his head collector. A poor lady offers one last warning before you enter the graveyard, but will you escape or is your grave already dug?"

Other attractions include a mine shaft entrance, strobe lights, animatronics and more.

Stinson said he has received some help and advice from Mike Grimes who operates the haunted house in the Carson Mall. They even exchanged fliers to boost attendance at both venues.

He also has received a lot of donated materials to build his backyard attraction, but has spent about $1,500 on many of the special effects.

His wife and daughter support his efforts with mixed feelings, he admits.

"My family loves it and hates it," he said, laughing.

Stinson will set up a donation jar and sell coffee and hot chocolate to help defray some of the costs of the haunted house, but Carson City sheriff's officers and firefighters who show up in uniform will be served free. And he hopes they will bring their kids along to enjoy the fun.

Stinson said he hopes to make his haunted house an annual event and also will put up an extravagant Christmas display with plans to donate toys to the Toys for Tots program.

MORE HALLOWEEN FUN:

• Friends in Low Places: A bone-chilling tour of the Lone Mountain Cemetery with tales from the graves will be offered starting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Meet spirits of the past which will include Hank Monk, Abe Curry, Jeannie Clemens, Mary Davis, Matthew Rinckel and Reinhold Sadler. They will be waiting to tell you their stories. Tickets are $20. Tickets are $5 off if you purchase a Festival of the Spirits ticket. For more information, call 687-7410.

• Festival of the Spirits: For those who are brave enough, costumed guides will lead you through Carson City's historic district. Spirits of the past will appear as tales are told of their hauntings on Carson City's Kit Carson Trail. There are two choices, the Curses Tour and the Rumors Tour. They depart from 3rd and Carson streets. First tour is at

10 a.m. and departing every 30 minutes, with the last tour starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. Tickets are $5 off if you purchase a Friends in Low Places ticket. For more information, call 687-7410.

• Halloween costume ball for dancers: High Sierra Swing Dance Club presents a Halloween costume ball from 7-10:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Brewery Arts Center's Grand Ballroom, 449 W. King St. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in many categories. Partners are not required. Cost is $7 for HSSDC and any swing dance club members or $10 for nonmembers. Join the club that night, and the dance is free. Artisans' Cafe will be open. For more information, go to www.highsierraSDC.org or call 629-9369.