Scare at the fair
Tom Balistreri and his daughter, Becca, set up for "Scare at the Fair" at the West Alexander Fairgrounds.
Tom Teagarden inspects the props for "Scare at the Fair" at the West Alexander Fairgrounds.
Roger and Robin Seeber display their Halloween spirit while setting up for "Scare at the Fair" at the West Alexander Fairgrounds.
The farm animals that occupy the barns of the West Alexander Fairgrounds during the first week in September are gone, replaced by creatures that go bump in the night.
Every Friday and Saturday night in October, as well as Halloween, a group of volunteers will try to scare the living daylights out of those who dare to go to the fairgrounds for the first “Scare at the Fair.” The West Alexander Fair Board along with the West Alexander Fire Department have planned the event as a fundraiser for both entities.
“The fairgrounds sits empty most of the year, so we were looking for other ways to use it throughout the year,” said Rich Hunter, a member of the fair board.
Roger and Robin Seeber approached the board after the fair in 2012 about having a haunted house, an idea already being kicked around as a possibility by the board. Roger Seeber, a biology professor at West Liberty University, helped a biology club at the school run a haunted house for several years.
The Seebers, along with the fair board and fire department, started planning the event during the winter.
While Roger Seeber did not want to spoil any surprises planned, the scary effects will have a farm and fair theme. Don’t be surprised to find some creepy clowns, too.
Groups of six to eight people will be guided through two buildings by a volunteer “mostly to keep them moving along,” Seeber said.
Seeber and his wife will continue to help the two groups. All of those helping are volunteers, whether firefighters or fair board members as well as their family and friends who have offered assistance. Several West Liberty students also will help.
Roger Seeber said those waiting in line will be entertained.
One West Liberty student is a fire twirler who has volunteered to perform.
Hunter said the haunted house is suitable for ages 8 and up. For anyone attending with children under that age, “Scare Care” will be available with crafts and entertainment. A concession stand also will be open during the haunted house with a food booth operated by the fire department.
The cost of the haunted house is $10.
Hunter said he is not aware of any similar attractions in that area. “We are keeping it fairly small this year. If it works well, we will expand it.”
The haunted house will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the fairgrounds off Route 40 just outside West Alexander and about a mile from the West Virginia state line. Ticket sales will end at 10 p.m. For more information, go to the fair website at westalexfair.com. Information is also available on Facebook at West Alexander Scare at the Fair.