Haunterview: Phelps Haunted House

10/11/19

By Octoberic

2019 Haunterview: The Phelps Haunted House.

Eric spoke with Jonas, the bottom line at the Phelps Haunted House, about 54 minutes from Syracuse.

Jonas has ten or so years of experience in haunted house work, including a previous haunt in Clifton Springs. Jonas has always seen himself as a Halloween junkie. After serving this great nation in the Military, Jonas settled down and started a family. His home has had displays of various sizes. He got into doing haunted houses as a way to help his community and raise money for other programs. In the past, he did a haunt that was only a single dollar donation and through the course of a weekend, they raised nearly $1,000. This has helped him grow this passion to a larger venue in Phelps, NY.

What sort of theme or characters can people expect? "The Phelps Haunted House is embracing “Nightmares” as a theme base for 2019. It takes you from one scene to the next, embracing your nightmares. Each volunteer, ranging in age from 16 to their 40’s, has been tasked with character development. Once being shown an area to work and given some ideas, he or she develops their character from there. Jonas said that, thus far, he has not been disappointed. Phelps also has different actors on Friday vs Saturday so you won’t see the same ones from one night to the next".

What is your cost of admission? "Admission is $5 at the door. There’s also a deal on Groupon for B1G1F or B2G2F".

What is your site history and size? Do you make a charitable donation?

"The Phelps Haunted House sets on what was once a Church back in the 1800’s. From there, it became a library before turning into an art center. Jonas hopes to revitalize the building so be used for events and special occasions and has worked to help secure grants for this project. Thus far, the haunt has exceeded 3500 square feet however, once inside the construct, you’d never know it".

What are some of your favorite things about your attraction? "The circus area and stage set up. Patrons will have to brave the nightmare within to see what that means. Jonas is also liking the Dr. Asylum that you’ll see… if you make it that far. Jonas truly enjoys the new territories they’re embracing and expects to exceed his expectations. Thus far, he has not been let down".

Who has influenced you in the haunt community? Jonas credits a lot of his passion to the willingness and desire to help others, especially his community. With inclusion and growth from this military vet, he envisions a stronger tomorrow through a stronger today. It helps that he’s a social media fan and also credits the one and only Hopps Allen from Texas. Hopps is a haunt pro and offers many how to videos on youtube for nearly anything haunt related.

Recap: Phelps is kid friendly from 5pm – 6pm or maybe 6:30 depending on the crowd. From then on, the lights are out and it’s game on. Phelps is also the only CNY area haunt that offers Monster Protection to customers 12 and under. Are you scared? You should be. If you’re a strapping dude, grown ass man, big bad momma and you want Monster Protection… consider yourself S.O.L. They’re in the making you pee business and cousin, business is a-boomin!

The Phelps Haunted House presents “Nightmares” every weekend in October. Located at 15 Church St in Phelps, NY… yeah, you can pray first….. you better!!!!

Thank you, Jonas for your time. We look forward to seeing you this season.