A major fundraiser for the Warren Area Student Union is back on in 2021 after a one-year hiatus.

WASU’s haunted house — a staple of the organization’s efforts for over 20 years — is set to return for a total of five days later this month.

Located at the old Armory building at 330 Hickory St., the Night of Terror Haunted House will be held Oct. 22 and 23 as well as Oct. 29 and 30 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m, It will also be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31.

The cost is $5 and children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. The haunted house will include dark hallways and rooms, flashing lights and live “monsters.”

WASU Executive Director Pam Falber said the funds raised go to the student board fund.

“The students raise all their own money for the events and activities THEY plan. WASU is run by the students, with supervision,” she explained. “The haunted house is by far their favorite event! The money raised by community donations are used for operational expenses.”

While their goal might be to scare as many people as possible, the students walk away from putting the haunted house on with more experiences than that.

“The students that work on the haunted house most importantly learn leadership skills,” Falber said. “Other important benefits are being able to work together, decision making and being kind and getting along with others. They have the opportunity and freedom to use their own ideas and creations. At WASU the students can earn volunteer hours; and at the same time make new friendships.”

The students are given creative license over the haunted house, as well.

“They build, create their own room, and act in the final show. They usually start in July, but this year a bit later,” she explained. “The kids will discuss ideas and come up with a theme. This year they decided the theme would be “Night of Terror.’ The final weeks before opening night is the time when things really begin showing all the efforts the students put forward in a positive way.

Falber said there are usually around 30 students that participate in the show.

“People come from as far as Erie, Jamestown and Kane to experience the terror. The number of people that visit varies,” she said. “But it is close to 500 or 600 people each year.”