| On Tuesday, 31 October, the RVFD social hall once again became a haunted hall. The committee members prepared the hall for this year's spooky production of the annual Boo-Thru. Witches, ghosts, and monsters could be seen or heard throughout the dimly lit social hall. As well, on occasion, one could be seen or heard outside of the building as guests arrived and departed. The event was produced by committee members from both the department and auxiliary. These members have been involved with the event for many years. Their presentation is truly a job well done. This year, the committee was joined by volunteer student members of the Great Mills High School Theatre Group. This group of young adults was truly a joy and an enormous help to the committee. Not only did they assist with the production by putting their drama talents into action, but they also assisted with the setup and cleanup of the hall. This included sacrificing part of their day on Sunday. But, they were real troopers and we look forward to having them again in the future.
Guests began to arrive at 6:20. They were greeted by a lady in black who seemed to be wandering the firehouse grounds and could be found lurking in the graveyard. Was that Margie Cooper? Hmm, we'll never tell. But, hold tight. This was only the beginning. There was more, much more, within the walls of the department hall.
Life member Jimmy Cooper escorted the guests to the entrance of the boo-thru. He has held this post for many years. Folks know once they pass by Mr. Cooper that there is no telling what awaits them through that black curtain. It's anticipation. The elements that was unknown. What is there and what will happen. Of course there are the usual: guillotines, ghosts, skeletons, rats, bats, spiders, and coffins. But it's the "living" monsters that scare the most. What will they do and when? That is where the excitement and the fright begin. They begin to saunter through the hall, laughing, screaming, and groaning. Oh, and we are only half way through. In the middle of the drive, a deranged clown with an axe appears. He says nothing. Just stares and begins to work his axe. If you were alert, you saw it coming. If your mind and eyes were wandering, you were once again spooked. Well just when you thought you had passed the worse, the witch came looking for dinner. She approached each vehicle talking to the occupants. She tried to take two grandchildren for dinner but Grandma put a stop to that. She offered herself to save the grandchildren. What a brave lady that was. Listen closely. Hear that echo? Did you hear that voice warning the witch to leave the children alone? That same voice that was making the shrilling screams? A voice that could be heard; but the body was not being seen? Yes, that was none other than Auxiliary Life Member Dawn Gatton. Finally, as you exit the building you are presented with a surgeon and his lab. There was only one way to describe the scene: SCARY!! What was she going to do? What was in those jars? Stay tuned until next year.
As the guests departed the hall, they were greeted by the Committee Chairperson, Engineer Tony Ridgell and his assistant, Life Member Sam Vallandingham. Tony was there to thank the guests for coming and to provide a bag of goodies to the children. Sam was distributing flyers on the upcoming Bull Roast fundraiser.
If you managed to get past this post without being accosted by the chainsaw monster you were very lucky. If not, you may have had the dickens scared out of you. Think we are exaggerating? Next time you see Susan Fenhagen, ask her about her experience with the RVFD Boo-Thru. We are sure she will have a story to tell.
Many compliments were received by our departing guests. Each year they encourage us to keep the event going. We believe the adults love the show as much as the children; they are, after all, kids at heart. AND&they can scare easily too!!!
Last year one of our guests arrived via bicycle. We didn't see that masked person this year. But, we did have one guest that did not arrive via vehicle. This guest had four legs and was dressed in costume. Chief Francis Raley and his wife Patti had dressed Ammo for the occasion and he was a great sport!
The community participation increased from last year and we enjoyed having everyone. Hope all had a good time and we look forward to next year! Our Mission was Accomplished! |
