Haunted house finds new home at Mielke

The annual haunted house in Shawano has found a new location at the Mielke Arts Center.

“This is the first year that we have held the event at the Mielke center,” said Maddie Stuewer, who helps to organize the haunted house.

The event was normally held at the Sugar Bowl, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has found a new home with the Mielke.

“We have more room here,” said Stuewer. “Visitors take a self-guided tour, where they walk through 25 rooms. We have 20 actors who take part in scaring the visitors.”

Stuewer said that organizers with the haunted house have connections with the Mielke, which allowed them to relocate.

“The board is very excited to bring the haunted house to the Mielke center,” said Stuewer.

Stuewer said she is excited to keep the haunted house going this year.

“I think that this is something that Shawano is lacking,” said Stuewer. “There are things like this in Green Bay and Appleton, but there is nothing like this in Shawano.”

She was especially excited about the haunted house this year, as last year was subdued due to the pandemic.

“Last year, we toned it down, and we abided by COVID-19 mitigation strategies, like wearing masks, sanitizing hands and making sure people were socially distanced,” said Stuewer. “This year — with people continuing to get vaccinated and hosting the event at the Mielke Center — we have the room for everyone to spread out, as well as include new sets and invite more people.”

The haunted house is open every Friday and Saturday from 7-10 p.m. and every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. until Halloween.

“The haunted house is toned down on Sundays to provided a fun family experience,” said Stuewer.

Through the first weekend, Stuewer said they have welcomed all ages of scare-seekers, old and young alike.

“People are very excited to come,” said Stuewer. “We have seen people of all different ages. Adults, teenagers and children are all getting scared.”

She added that most of the people who visit the haunted house are from the Shawano community; some, she said, made the trip from Green Bay.

“Our goal is to get more people coming,” said Stuewer. “We want people to visit the haunted house from all over the state.”

Stuewer said that she was excited to get see more people coming to the haunted house in relation to last year. She said that the haunted house acts as an area where people can come and spend some time together.

“This is a social hangout,” said Stuewer. “Families come and just have fun together. There is a sense of togetherness in the community.”

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Stage Fright Haunted House

WHEN: 7-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October, noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

WHERE: Mielke Arts Center, N5649 Airport Road, Shawano

INFO: Maddie Stuewer, 715-584-1813

ADMISSION: $13 adults, $8 children. $15 per family on Sundays.