The Haunted House will be back again for Halloween, and officials are confident the event's financial horror won't be as great as last year.
Event organizer Jerry Miller has assured selectmen this year's Haunted House, which will be at the Civic Center in late October, will be changed significantly from last year when it lost $12,000.
For starters, last year's event required buying many one-time items that can be used again, cutting down on expenses.
Miller, who is also the Recreation Department superintendent, said he has changed the program to reduce expenses and to keep the event fresh for repeat customers.
"We've learned from our mistakes and redesigned it," said Miller.
The Haunted House Committee met after last year's event to determine what went well and what could be improved or changed.
One change, he said, is a fundamental alteration of the house. Last year, patrons were taken to different rooms - and partitions in the gymnasium - where they were treated to themed vignettes. Miller said in some cases the vignettes were too lengthy and he hopes to create a quicker experience this year.
"Our major concern was the flow, so we hope to speed that up and have people spend less time at each vignette," said Miller.
He said last year's Haunted House attracted good crowds. He believes attendance was hurt because the event was competing with the Red Sox playing in the World Series.
Last year's weeklong event drew roughly 1,600 people to the Civic Center, Miller said. The original Haunted House in 1983, which was held at the Historical Society's Fred Holland Day House, drew 5,200 people.
But after that event, organizers were told they could not hold the Haunted House at the Day House anymore due to the wear and tear put on the historic building, which is the headquarters of the Norwood Historical Society.
A group that was involved in the house got together and decided to resurrect the event, this time at the Civic Center.
Miller estimates that more than 100 people are involved in the event, including local businesses such as Advanced Lighting and Productions Services and Mystic Scenic Studios.
"Once we get through Norwood Day (Sept. 13), we'll really start going with the house," said Miller.
Daily News staff writer Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bfalla@cnc.com.
