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Wednesday, October 18, 2006 · Page 13 An assortment of frightening figures are displayed outside Lou-Anne Mailloux's Gesto Spook House. Mailloux and 57 volunteers are putting the final touches on the annual Halloween exhibit, which will be opened to the public Oct. 27-29. MORLEY BOWMAN KEEP ESSEX MOVING FORWARD! SUPPORT "A PROVEN WORKER" Married to wife Bev. Two children Marnie and Martie. One grandson Austin. Retired from Pitney Bowes after 33 years. Essex Councillor for 19 years. Gesto's frightening tradition BY DANIEL SCHWAB There's a to-do list hanging in the entrance of LouAnne Mailloux's barn in Gesto that reads, "find an old freezer," and "hang knives." The barn's ceiling is covered in leafy branches and the walls are smeared with what looks like blood. In about a week, no one under 10 years old will be allowed to enter. Mailloux and 57 volunteers, mostly family, friends and members of the local fire service, are spending much of their free time putting the final grueome touches onto the 3rd nnual Gesto Spook House. Last year, about 1,700 eople made their way hrough the exhibit. Some ere even brave enough to o through a second time. "It's always been, I hate o say it but, the best one round," Mailloux said. Planning for this year's pook House began the irst week of September. "We all sat around a ampfire and did some rainstorming," Mailloux aid. "The ideas just came ut. Every night now we ork on it and every weeknd all day long." The history of the spook house dates back to the 1980s, when a group of teens living down the street from Mailloux decorated their small basement in a Halloween theme. A few years later, as its popularity among the neighbours began to grow, the exhibit was moved into a two-car garage. When organizers sought an even larger space, Mailloux's father Jerry was asked if his barn was available. Mailloux and her family were then hooked, and the family's Halloween tradition began. It continued into the 90s, but the family took a tenyear hiatus after Jerry's death. But after a slew of requests from neighbours and friends to resurrect the spook house, Mailloux reopened its doors again in 2003. Now, patrons looking for a scare gladly wait about an hour to get in, said Debbie Bridgen, one of the volunteers. "It's always been very realistic and scary," she said. One of the tools the spook house organizers use to improve on it every year is the comment box. After exiting the barn, patrons are encouraged to write down what they thought of the exhibit. Some of the comments Mailloux saved from last year's box include: "Worth the wait," "you're sick," and "I was so scared I wanted to leave." Since the beginning, the price of admission has always been two canned goods. Last year, the Essex Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul in McGregor were a little overwhelmed with the donation of 3000-plus cans, Bridgen said. The canned goods are split evenly between the two charities. For Bridgen, it's one of the best things about being involved with the spook house. "It's very satisfying to see all the canned goods at the end," she said. "And to see people out enjoying themselves," Mailloux added. "It's a cheap night out." This year's Gesto Spook House is taking place Oct. 27-29 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 2644 Gesto Road. Presently Serving On: · Chair Essex Fun Fest · Chair Canada South Festival Network · Chair ELK Solutions Board · Heritage Essex · Essex Mural Committee · Essex Region Conservation Authority · Windsor Essex County Housing Authority Previously Served On: · Essex County Library Board · Essex BIA · Windsor Essex County Health Unit · Personnel Committee · Finance Committee · Essex Parks & Recreation SUPPORTS: A fiscally responsible approach to improving our infrastructure, making use of Provincial and Federal Funding Programs. WINE O' WILLIES HAS MOVED! Come and see us at our great new location at: ON-PREMISES WINE-MAKING & SUPPLIES 22-B CENTRE STREET IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN ESSEX For our grand opening special we are offering the following: GRAND OPENING Have a strong experienced voice work for you at the Municipal and County levels of Government. Elect Bob Sylvester Deputy Mayor Lakeshore For more information call 519-727-3849 or e-mail to i8tweety1st@aol.com Make 1 World Vineyard Wine-Kit at $115.00 Receive 2 crystal stemless wine glasses (retail value of $11.95) Make 2 World Vineyard Wine-Kits at $230.00 Receive 6 crystal stemless wine glasses (retail value of $35.85) Make a Estate Series Wine Kit at $170.00 Receive 1 set of 4 Lard crystal wine glasses (retail value of $24.95) Make 2 Premium Wine-Kits at $260.00 Receive 1 Gift Basket (retail value of $49.95) WE'RE ALSO ONLINE www.wineowillies.com 519-776-4995