By Staff
NILES -- The Niles Haunted House Scream Park, one of Michiana's most popular autumn attractions, recently completed another successful season at its always expanding 44-acre site on Mayflower Road between Niles and Buchanan.
The Niles Children's Fun House also completed a successful year at its location on Bell Road.
This year, the 24th consecutive for running the project, raised more than $81,500 for more than 50 area children's organizations, civic groups and other charities.
Proceeds will benefit local school and service organizations, including Dowagiac Union High School Band Boosters ($1,725), Cass County Rabbit Association ($1,000), TOPS 256 of Dowagiac ($1,250), Cassopolis High School Project Graduation ($3,000), Encore Dance ($100) and Miss Cass St. Joseph County ($350).
Funds will also be used for two college scholarships established many years ago.
This year the project included six haunted attractions and provided additional volunteer opportunities both in construction and operation of the Scream Park.
Plans are under way for even more frightening additions next year.
More than 20,000 hours were volunteered by more than 700 different people before and during its 21 nights of operation to prepare and operate the seasonal attraction.
The Scream Park has been honored as one of America's top 20 haunted attractions in a listing compiled by MSNBC.
This year footage was shot at the park that will be included in a movie, "Halloween -- The Happy Haunting of America Part II," which is planned for 2004 release.