Haunted Calgary is one of the city’s most anticipated Halloween traditions, offering Calgarians a variety of spooky events, including Unsettled Fright Nights.
Most of the actors volunteer. Only a handful are paid employees.
Thrill-seekers look forward to Haunted Calgary’s events, recognizing them as one of Calgary’s signature Halloween traditions.
Nearly two decades ago, Haunted Calgary started its first haunted house in a residential area in northwest Calgary, before moving to New Horizon Mall in 2019.
In January, Haunted Calgary announced its new event, Unsettled Fright Nights at Heritage Park, running Oct. 17, 18 and 29, and Nov. 1.
The heritage village was decorated to match the spooky theme, with tents offering hot and cold drinks, merchandise and hand warmers.
After scanning their tickets, guests ride a bus or tractor to the Unsettled Haunted Village, set in the 1870s.
A sign at the entrance introduces the night’s storyline. Guests are challenged to figure out who broke the oath.
Lexi Massicotte, an actor with Haunted Calgary for four years, loves making connections not only with her fellow actors but also with the guests who attend the events, one of the main reasons she returns each year.
“It’s being run by these people we know that we see almost more as friends than anything,” said Massicotte.
Unsettled Fright Nights now has between 50 and 70 actors, compared with the 20 or 30 when Massicotte first started volunteering. Many of the actors have been with Haunted Calgary for several years.
Actors not only volunteer their time but also create their own costumes and character storylines.
Massicotte’s character was on stilts for both her arms and legs, wearing a dark cloak and a plague mask.
She built her stilts from crutches and wooden planks.
Daphne Marshall, an attendee, and her friend attended Unsettled Fright Nights on Oct. 18, where they interacted with Massicotte’s character and many others.
“I think they really elevated it, especially the ones who would hide in the dark corners and jump out at you, and some would chase you around,” said Marshall.
Massicotte recommends keeping an eye out for Flick, a character lurking in the Unsettled Haunted Village.