The Black Mountain Haunted House is more than just a collection of terrifying scenes — it’s a labor of love, creativity, and teamwork. Each year, an incredible group of volunteers, staff, and community members come together to build an unforgettable experience. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the magic, mayhem, and hard work that went into this year’s haunted house.
It all started with the essentials: lumber. We loaded up the truck with the wood that would form the bones of the haunted house (Thanks to our wonderful Volunteers). Under the night sky, we arrived at Hillcrest Farm Market, ready to unload and prepare for the build. The excitement was palpable — we were laying the foundation for this year’s scares! 🛠️🌙
On the first day of the build, the site buzzed with energy. Volunteers worked together to frame the walls, piece by piece. The structure started to take shape, and with every nail and beam, we got closer to our vision. Of course, breaks were necessary, and our team made sure to enjoy snacks, coffee, and a bit of shade. The camaraderie kept us going strong! ☕🔨
With the walls up, it was time to go vertical! Ashley climbed the beams, securing the roof with precision and a smile. Dad was right there with his steady hands and expertise, ensuring everything was solid. Our volunteers worked tirelessly, balancing on ladders and beams to complete the structure.
Soon, the roof was on, and we had a fully enclosed space ready for the next phase. Rain or shine, this haunted house was ready to stand tall and deliver the scares! 🌧️🏗️
While the structure was being built, creativity was in full swing. Our volunteers brought scenes to life with handcrafted props and meticulous attention to detail.
In the photos, you can see Ashley hard at work constructing giant nutcrackers. From humble materials like Sonotubes, PVC pipes, and paint, these nutcrackers transformed into imposing sentinels for the Krampus Hallway. With glittering gold trim, vibrant red jackets, and painted faces, these nutcrackers add a chilling festive twist to the eerie scene, guarding the path where Krampus and his sinister elves dwell. 🎨🛠️
Meanwhile, Michaela meticulously crafted snowflakes for our Winter Forest scene, adding that magical, icy touch. ❄️ And Aunty Heather assembled the Christmas trees that would set the stage for the snowy landscape — complete with the chilling Yeti lurking in the shadows. 🌲👹
One of the highlights of this year’s build was the participation of staff from the McNair Mental Health Unit at Kelowna General Hospital. These incredible healthcare workers took time out of their busy schedules to help with construction, showing just how much this haunted house means to our community. Their enthusiasm and hard work reminded us why we do this — to support a great cause while having fun together. ❤️
As the walls went up, the rooms took shape, and the details came together, the excitement built to a fever pitch. From securing tarps to stringing lights and pumpkins, everyone pitched in until the haunted house was ready for its grand opening.
Ashley took a well-deserved break, her smile a testament to the joy and pride we all felt. After long days and late nights, the Black Mountain Haunted House was complete — a spooky masterpiece built with sweat, laughter, and heart. 🎃🛠️
Building the haunted house isn’t just about creating scares — it’s about community, creativity, and connection. Every volunteer, family member, and friend who helped made this experience possible. From loading lumber to crafting snowflakes, every moment was filled with fun, teamwork, and a shared passion for giving our community an unforgettable experience.
Thank you to everyone who helped build, support, and visit the Black Mountain Haunted House. We can’t wait to scare you again next year! 👻❤️
Last month, Ash and I took an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas with one main goal in mind—to visit Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum. As avid haunted house enthusiasts and creators, this museum felt like a dream destination. It’s packed with eerie exhibits, historical artifacts, and chilling tales that had us captivated from the moment we walked in. The experience not only satisfied our curiosity but also gave us countless ideas to enhance this year’s haunted house event.
Walking Through the Haunted Museum
The Haunted Museum is a treasure trove of eerie objects and immersive displays. From cursed dolls to vintage circus paraphernalia, every corner seemed to whisper a story. One highlight was the doll exhibit, which featured some truly unsettling pieces. (Check out the photos we snapped of the dolls below.)
Another favorite was the “Bimbo 3 Ring Circus” arcade machine. Its retro style and haunting vibe got us thinking about adding vintage, interactive elements to some sections of our haunted house.
Gathering Inspiration for This Year’s Haunted House
Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum left us buzzing with ideas. The attention to detail in their props and staging inspired us to elevate our own immersive storytelling. Here are a few ideas we’re taking back with us:
Photo Highlights from Our Trip
A wall of haunted dolls, glowing eerily under dim lights (pictured below).
The iconic Haunted Museum entrance, with its quirky vintage vibe.
The “Warning” sign—a perfect inspiration for setting the tone at the entrance of our haunted house.
Ash and me repping our Black Mountain Haunted House shirts.
The Las Vegas strip on a quiet morning, capturing the contrast of the bustling city and the eerie museum hidden within.
Looking Ahead
This trip to Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum was not just an exploration but a masterclass in haunted storytelling. We’re excited to implement these ideas into this year’s haunted house and can’t wait to see how our visitors react to the new immersive elements.
Stay tuned as we unveil more about this year’s themes and features. For now, enjoy these photos, and let us know what you’re most excited about for this year’s Black Mountain Haunted House!
