2017 Haunted Museum Marks 17 Years of Sukanen ‘Scares’
Not even an hour after opening, Sukanen Haunted Museum saw 480 people lined up to tour their 17th annual Haunted Museum. Although this was the 17th year Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum planned their haunted museum event, it was only technically their 16th year running, as last year’s event (2016) had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
The event which took place two Saturdays before Halloween, was being filmed by Paranormal and Supernatural Team (PAST) Mobile Command Centre, and took place at the museum. Dean Redman, a member of the museum and a volunteer, works year-round in addition to volunteering for the Halloween Event. Redman said that the feedback they have received is very positive. Parents appreciate this venue over many city Halloween events because this one frightens many adults, as well as the kids, whereas city events are often geared toward younger participants.
Sukanen’s 2017 Haunted Museum offered guided tours. The tours incorporated 14 scare events designed to scare all ages. This fear factor is precisely the reason the museum staff and volunteers do not recommend anyone under eight years old attend.
With very little lighting other than one green flare, one of the resident spooks led the way, weaving through abandoned garages and shops, through narrowing, progressively darker curtained pathways. In the terror of the moment , as silhouettes lurked in the enveloping darkness, everyone’s sense of fear was heightened.
The ‘Haunted Museum’ concept originally started when the museum needed funds for the fire hall, beginning with approximately 20 volunteers. That number quickly grew to 60 volunteers within the first year. Redman said the planning group began one month in advance, the building and construction took approximately four days, with volunteers prepared for every contingency, including having scoured the area to ensure every step of the tour would be a safe one. The event capacity is approximately 700 visitors and over the years, close to capacity comes to experience the scares of the evening. This year, museum members and volunteers involved in the planning and presentation totalled well over 75 people; people who all deserve a huge round of appreciative recognition for their incredibly entertaining – and terribly scary – contributions!
If you would like to volunteer for the next Haunted Museum, or become involved with other Sukanen fundraising events, call the office at 306.693.7315, or visit their website and social sites on Facebook and Twitter. The website URL is http://www.sukanenshipmuseum.ca/the-museum/