Halloween is just around the corner on October 31, which means so is this year’s Craigieburn Haunted House.
Husband and wife Rob and Adriana Pugliese started the event in 2015 as a way to do something for the community.
“We both do it together, I do the electronics and she does the production value, all the props, the way they all look, all that sort of stuff,” Mr Pugliese said.
“Our most popular was the clown theme, that one was great to set up, there was a lot of good feedback and good footage from that.
“Often people will back out and they’ll hear screaming inside and a chainsaw going.”
Now in their seventh year (excluding COVID-19 lockdown), they’ve planned a better than ever ‘Stranger Things’ themed haunted house this year.
Mr Pugliese said this year fit out with demogorgons, Vecna, The Upside Down, Hawkins Lab, the ominous clock from season four and various other surprises.
The event has always been free for the public and Mr Pugliese said they don’t want to know exactly what it costs but estimate every year they’re spending about $3000 to $4000 to set up.
“A lot of people ask why it’s free, but when you’re in there and you see a 34 year old adult on the floor petrified, it’s so worth it,” he said.
The haunted house isn’t for kids or the light hearted, registration to the event is essential.
“We get a lot of kids under 10 but I wouldn’t say it’s kid-friendly, parental discretion is highly advised and it’s built to scare,” Mr Pugliese said.
