Several thousand people visit the Haunted Mines during the time it’s open and have the scare of their lives. The Haunted Mines is an all-volunteer charitable organization that raises money for local charities.They were open this year from September 18th to November 7th. The Haunted Mines is divided into a variety of spooky sections like a swamp and a graveyard.

“The Haunted Mines is a fun haunted house, it’s very different and unique. Normally all the volunteers come in early and get their costumes, makeup and hair done. Then we sometimes have catered food so all the volunteers hang out for a hour or longer while we eat and talk. Then we all get in position and the fun begins,” Miles Castañon, 9, said.

He loves the costumes that everyone is dressed up in and he loves scaring people that walk by. Castañon finds it funny when people get so scared but sometimes things go too far. Castañon had to lead a 4 year old boy out of the mines because he was crying.

“The Haunted Mines is so much fun to work in. Scaring people is my favorite part though because you have a lot of freedom from the advisors. You should try to be intimidating and have to make sure you are not shy. You really just have to get into your role and maybe even ask some people who have worked their longer than you and have more experienced to get good ideas but the only thing I don’t really like is the really long shifts. You are normally there for 7 hours at a time. So it’s really tiring and cold especially when you are running after people from time to time,” Castañon said.

Although he has worked outside, Castañon normally works in the mines. This is Castañon’s first year working at the Haunted Mines but hopes to work there in the next few years. “I had a blast working at the Haunted Mines this year, it’s a good cause and the people are really cool!” Castañon said, “I’m really forward to working there next year.”