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Haunted Backyard open Fridays, Saturdays in October by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 19 | Friday, September 30, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A spooky tradition that began more than 20 years ago will continue in October -- all in the spirit of Halloween. Mike Wilson, who has been transforming his backyard annually, will be welcoming guests to visit his `Haunted Backyard' in the area of Third Line and Hixon Street starting Saturday, Oct. 1. The outdoor attraction, located at 119 Walby Dr., has grown and evolved over the years from a one-day scare affair into one that spans four weekends. It will be open 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, throughout the month of October (excluding Thanksgiving Day weekend, Oct. 7-9). "Doing the Haunted Backyard was originally for my daughter so that her and her friends and so forth would have a fun spot to come and enjoy," he shared, noting in more recent years, it's also turned into a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society Halton Unit to help fund life-saving cancer research and support services to people living with cancer and their families. Everyone Wilson noted, has been touched by cancer, including himself. His father died of colon cancer, which is why he chose to support the Canadian Cancer Society with donations collected at Mike Wilson and Jody Cunningham have been setting up a Haunted Backyard at their home for the past 20 years -- complete with zombies and cobwebs -- and recently, as a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, Halton Unit. Graham Paine Metroland the event. Last year's Haunted Backyard raised nearly $5,000, bringing the grand total raised over the years to close to $10,000, Wilson said. He's hoping to attract more people from Oakville, Halton and beyond to help him reach his goal of raising $20,000. Last year, about 2,000 spectators made their way through the maze that has about 30 stops that include a gorilla cage, scarecrow area, clown prison and more. "The underground tomb is our pièce de résistance," said Wilson, a former film industry investor. "Everyone just can't believe we actually have an underground tomb. Once they get that far into the maze they become very reluctant to go any farther." In order to make the event a true success, as in years past, he's hoping community members will step up to help him set up and work on nights when the backyard will be open to the public. He's looking for about 10-50 volunteers to help with scaring and other tasks. It's great for high school student who want to earn their community service hours, Wilson said, noting it will surely be a fun way to earn those hours. He's also open to businesses who want to sponsor an attraction. see Haunted on p.20 COSTA MAYA, MEXICO ESCAPE THE POST XMAS BLUES & SAIL IN ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY! JANUARY 4, 2017 | 7 NIGHT CRUISE FROM MIAMI ON THE INTIMATE SEVEN SEAS MARINER (700 GUESTS MAXIMUM) UP TO 30 FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS FARE INCLUDES: · Round-trip Economy Air from Toronto or Montreal · All Suite Balcony accommodation (min 356 sq. ft.) · FREE Specialty Restaurants · FREE Unlimited Fine Wines & Spirits · FREE Replenished Mini-bar · FREE Unlimited Non-alcoholic Beverages · FREE Shore Excursions · All taxes and gratuities From $3,399 USD PP - Category F AyA Kitchens of oAKville 1195 north service roAd west $300 per suite on-board spending credit BONUS 905.847.1522 ayaoakville.com Fares are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability at time of booking. For full terms & conditions, please consult Regent Seven Seas Cruises website at www.rssc.com. TICO #50022739 CRUISE HOLIDAYS OF OAKVILLE 267 Lakeshore Road East (905) 337-2228 info@cruiseholidaysoakville.com