This year’s spine-tingling event, Harmony for Youth’s Haunted House, will be open every weekend in October at 220 George Street. The haunted house, titled "The Crypt," promises to deliver plenty of chills and excitement. This year’s theme is inspired by the eerie, mysterious atmosphere of the abandoned catacombs beneath Paris, where explorers venture into dark, forgotten tunnels, uncovering hair-raising stories along the way. With tickets priced at $15 per person or $60 for a family, the event not only highlights the Halloween season but also serves as Harmony for Youth’s only fundraiser of the year.
Behind the ghouls and menacing sets, there's a dedicated team of volunteers making it all happen. Leading the charge this year are three key figures: Tabi Dupuis, Steve Brown, and Paul Kearney. Their commitment and passion are evident in every creepy corner of the haunted house.
Tabi Dupuis has been involved with Harmony for Youth for 15 years. She recalls how the organization helped her as a shy child by providing a safe space to explore music. “Back then, I received one hour of music lessons in exchange for one hour of volunteering, which is still how the program operates today,” she explains. That experience had a lasting impact on her, and now Tabi is one of the driving forces behind the haunted house. “This is such a passion for me now,” she adds. “The whole place is run entirely by volunteers, and we pour our hearts into it.”
Steve Brown, the creative mastermind behind this year’s haunt, brings his professional experience as a makeup artist to the event. As the owner of Dreamweaver Face Painting and Mascots, he and his team transform volunteers into the ghoulish creatures that populate "The Crypt." “Steve does everyone’s makeup, and he’s incredible at what he does,” says Tabi. His artistic vision and attention to detail bring the haunt to life, creating an immersive and terrifying experience for visitors.
Paul Kearney, the executive director of Harmony for Youth, has been working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. “Paul has worked his butt off here getting everything up and ready,” Tabi says with admiration. Between building sets and organizing logistics, his hands-on involvement ensures that the haunt runs smoothly. "He’s been doing this for so long, and his dedication is unmatched," she adds.
The heart and soul of the haunted house stem from Harmony for Youth’s mission to support local youth. The organization offers free music lessons to students aged 12 to 18, with no financial prerequisites. Students can borrow instruments if needed and volunteer one hour for each hour of lessons, learning in a comfortable environment where they can grow and make friends. The haunted house serves as their primary fundraiser, allowing them to sustain these programs.
This year, the haunt’s location adds to the thrill. “The church on George Street is the perfect setting—it’s extra spooky because it’s an old church,” Tabi says. Harmony for Youth has hosted its haunted house in various locations over the years, including the Bayside Mall, Lambton Mall, and even the old Harvey’s Bingo. But this year’s venue, with its gothic ambiance, feels like an ideal fit for "The Crypt."
The preparation for the haunted house is a year-round effort. “We’re always on the lookout for Halloween-related items,” Tabi explains. Harmony stores its decorations and props in a large shipping container for most of the year, reusing as much as possible. “Of course, we have to buy new items every year too, like pallets, staples, and other materials. Stuff always needs to be repaired. It’s a huge commitment!”
The team began setting up as early as August, dedicating countless hours to bring their vision to life. “So much hard work and passion go into it,” Tabi says. With the support of Harmony’s volunteers and the community, "The Crypt" promises to be a haunting experience that Sarnia won’t soon forget.
Do you dare to enter "The Crypt"? Come and see for yourself if you’re brave enough. All proceeds go toward helping local youth discover their love for music, just like Tabi once did.
Event Details:
What: Harmony’s Haunted House, “The Crypt”
When: Fridays & Saturdays 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Sundays 6:00 PM to 9:00PM in October
Where: 220 George St, Sarnia (Corner of George and Brock)
Tickets: $15 per person, $60 family
Hosted By: Harmony for Youth