West Aurora High opens haunted house

“The Crypts of Campana," a haunted attraction created by the West Aurora High School Stage Crew opened its doors recently to raved reviews.

“This is our second attempt at creating a family oriented haunted fun house; and the students hard work has certainly paid off,["] said Tom Lorenz, technical director at West High's auditorium. “We created the haunted house for two reasons; first, it is a tool for our stage craft and drama students to use their creative skills in nontheatrical environment, and second, as a fundraiser for the school's auditorium.["]

Housed in a 10,000-square-foot lower level of the historic Campana Building at Route 31 and Fabyan Parkway in Batavia, students, parents and alumni have been creating scenes and spooky avenues with animated figures, pneumatic props, and led lighting. The haunt consists of a number of rooms linked by darkened corridors and features two rotating tunnel illusions among other “things["] along the way. Don't expect this to be a $30 Statesville or Dungeon of Doom attraction. But don't expect it to be “a walk in the park["] either.

The Crypts of Campana is open Fridays and Saturdays now through Halloween from 7 to 11 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $13. Two children's shows are scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 24 and Halloween on Oct. 31 from 1 to 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to visit the haunt's web site, www.factoryfear.com to learn more about the attraction. Those planning on making the trip to Campana should know that the entrance to “The Crypts["] is at the rear of the building. Use Fabyan Parkway to access plenty of free parking.

For information, contact Tom Lorenz at (630)301-5519 or tlorenz@sd129.org.