Haunted Houses Prepare For 2020 Season During Pandemic

With Halloween coming up, local haunted house attractions have had to make tough decisions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guthrie Haunts Scaregrounds owner John Pagonis is offering a more intimate experience in an effort to protects guests and staff.

Pagonis said Sanitize by Voltage will fog the grounds with disinfectant each day. Staff will clean during breaks.

The owner took advantage of the venue’s large outside space, forgoing the traditional cue line for an outdoor waiting area where guests can spread out after buying tickets.

“People can social distance out there and then, when we’re ready, we can call you up to the door,” Pagonis said.

Once guests are called to the door, temperatures will be taken, masks will be required and sanitizer will be sprayed on each person’s hands.

While Pagonis prefers customers bring their own masks, there will be complimentary face coverings for those who need them.

Once inside, the different groups will be monitored by cameras and special employees to avoid running into each other.

In Oklahoma City, another popular house is closed this season.

The Sanctuary Haunted Attraction owner Tino Pascuzzi said it was too difficult to space guests out within the confines of the venue.

“When we heard about the Oklahoma State Fair cancelling, it was kind of a wakeup call. That was first and foremost kind of the catalyst,” Pascuzzi said.

Pascuzzi said there was just no way to distance within the venue.

“We couldn’t put on a show and an event we would truly be proud of, at the same time, simultaneously keeping patrons and our actors safe,” Pascuzzi said.

According to Pascuzzi, missing the 2020 season will result in hundreds of thousands of dollars lost.

However, fans of The Sanctuary can support the business by going to their Escape Games attractions.

Meanwhile, Pagonis hopes a good old-fashioned jump scare will be just the relief people need from a truly horrifying year.

“It’s kind of a more intimate, personal experience, and what’s better than intimate and personal at a haunted house?” Pagonis said.

Guthrie Haunts Scaregrounds opens Friday, Sept. 11.