Mermaids haunt countdown

Four wonderfully-decorated homes named The Witch’s House, Canyon Crystal Lake, The Haunted Forest and A Glamorously Haunted Dinner Party will be featured in the Mermaids of Canyon Lake first-ever Halloween House Adventure on Oct. 7.

This week’s house to be featured is The Haunted Forest.

Step into the chilling realm of The Haunted Forest, where darkness and enchantment unite in an eerie symphony. The journey begins as participants venture into the enigmatic abode of Sarah and Cory Dowler.

Their unsettling tale began in 2015 when they settled into their haunting residence, though Sarah’s connection to Canyon Lake dates back to 1998, shrouded in mysteries of its own. The dwelling spans a spine-tingling 1,800 sq. ft., and it’s as if the forest itself has taken root within.

Inside, the living room teems with spectral trees that cast long, haunting shadows. Every corner is adorned with Halloween decorations that beckon everyone closer, whispering tales of otherworldly encounters. A sinister fog machine adds an eerie touch, obscuring everybody’s senses as they traverse their haunted abode.

In the VIP enclave, a towering 13 ft. Jack Skeleton awaits, ready to revel with all who enter while they savor delectable appetizers that will send shivers down their spines.

The event starts at 4:00 p.m. at Eastport Park. There will be a vendor market selling Halloween and Fall themed items and a gently used clothing boutique selling ladies clothes, purses and jewelry. Tickets are not required to shop at the market or boutique.

General admission tickets include visiting the houses and participating in the costume contest. General admission guests will use their own vehicle to visit the houses. The address list of the houses is available at Eastport Park. Participants can visit the houses in any order.

VIP tickets include being chauffeured by an old time funeral director in a hearse (golf cart.) The VI>Ps will be greeted with a glass of champagne or a soft drink to start off the adventure.

Each of the four houses will have a special VIP section of the home where drinks and/or cocktails will be provided. VIP tours are at 5:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. and both start at Eastport Park.

The House Adventure starts at 5:00 p.m. This event is open to ages 12 and over. Tickets are required. Tickets are available for purchase from Kathy Ray, by texting her at 858-449-7297 (cash, check or Zelle) or on the club’s website www.mermaidsofcanyonlake.org for those using a credit card.

The club is offering Early Bird General Admission Tickets at $25 and VIP Tickets at $50. Early Bird is in effect until Sept. 22. Regular priced tickets are $30 and $55.

Only General Admission tickets will be available the day of the event. The cut-off date for VIP ticket sales is Oct. 1 or when all available tickets are sold, whichever comes first. VIP tickets are not available as single tickets.

The hearses available have space for two, three, four or five passengers.

For groups of four or five please book early. There are an extremely-limited number of seats available for groups of that size. Check back next week for a description of another of the participating houses.