Mermaids show off haunted houses

The Mermaids of Canyon Lake Club held its first Halloween House Adventure on Saturday. The event included a boutique in the Eastport Park which included Halloween-themed items and gently used women’s clothes, jewelry and purses available for sale.

There were 25 V.I.P. tickets and 50 regular-priced tickets purchased with four houses to tour.

“It was great fun and adventure had by all,” Kathy Ray. Mermaids of Canyon Lake President, said. “The club looks forward to having the tour again next year.”

Volunteers dress the part at the home of Beth Parks which was themed “A Glamorously Haunted Dinner Party.” The volunteers are, from left, Lynette Rodriguez, Denise Brosi, Nicole Taylor, Shelli Lewis, Merritt Reid, and Kim Pauley. Photo by Beth Park

Those who purchased VIP tickets were escorted in their own golf cart “hearses” to each of the four hauntingly-decorated houses.

“Such a good cause,” Beth Parks, who had a home on the tour, said. “Such a great group of women. I loved being a part of it.”

Even children were involved in the tour. Leah Lawrence was dressed as Madeline at the witches-themed home of Mike and Lyne Hall. Every bit of the home was decorated.

“My granddaughter Leah jump scared the guests, then gave them a tour of our ongoing haunted dollhouse project,” Lyne said. “Every time she visits our house, we work on the dollhouse together.”

Mike and Lyne Hall’s granddaughter Leah Lawrence dressed up as Madeline and did a jump scare to those who entered the room of the Haunted Dollhouse, which she and her grandmother built together over the years. Leah stayed in character as she gave a haunting tour of the room. Photo by Kathy Barbay