Residents don't have to wait for Halloween night to embrace the spookier side of life, or death. Located in an old cattle barn at Proulx Farms, the haunted house is an elaborate maze that's sure to send shivers down the spines of even the bravest souls. Volunteers have held nothing back in this newest fall attraction. Visitors to the barn will be treated to gruesome scenes, dark corridors, and special effects that are sure to impress even the most discerning individual. "We tried to make it as varied as possible," Orléans Kiwanis Club president Harley Bloom said as he gave the Weekly Journal a sneak peek of the haunted barn. He added the experience was designed to appeal to all the senses. If variation and a heightened sense is what volunteers were going for, they have succeeded. Just as visitors get comfortable, the environment will change. The haunted barn isn't confined within four walls but instead includes a short outdoor jaunt, the use of another barn, and even the upper level of the main structure. The design weaves visitors through eerily lit scenes, pitch black corridors, an old hay barn, a corn maze, and a mausoleum. Some scenes are interactive, while others offer a glimpse at some spooky display. The Kiwanis Club was careful not to forget the details when they planned this project. According to Bloom, Hollywood special effects creator Guy Louis Xvi made some of the mannequins on display. The result is an experience that seems realistic, from a decaying skeleton to a butchered patient. Volunteers have worked hard each day for the past two months to bring this haunted house alive. A computer was used to design the maze, and then creativity took root. The second floor of the barn offered a lot of room to work with, so volunteers created spectacular scenes that occupy more space. "It's given people a chance to creative in a very wicked way," Bloom said. Since volunteers were able to be almost as wicked as their imaginations would allow, younger kids should steer clear of the haunted barn. It's not for the faint of heart. Those with younger children can still enjoy the harvest festivities Proulx Farms offers during the day. Family-friendly activities are the hallmark of the farm's pumpkin festival. Francois Proulx said the farm will host three shows during the day - a magician, mad science, plus a kids' show. He added the family wanted to do something spookier in the evenings, but just didn't have the time or resources. Since the Kiwanis Club was looking for a new home for their haunted house, it seemed like the perfect partnership. The barn, which is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis playground, is open during the evening. Bloom said he hopes to raise about $30,000 with the event. The money will help pay for the attraction, which is now permanently in place, and will allow the club to buy additional niceties like benches and barbeque pits for the playground. The barn is open Thursday to Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout October, as well as the Monday and Tuesday leading up to Halloween. Visitors pay $10 to tour the haunted barn and take a scary wagon ride. Bloom said groups of up to 50 can be accommodated, but they should call ahead so volunteers are prepared. He added people can also buy a pumpkin when they visit the farm. The Kiwanis Club needs about 40 to 50 volunteers during the evenings to keep the spook factor high while visitors tour the barn. Volunteers are needed to do anything from simply flicking switches in the background to actually acting. Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to fill out a volunteer form at www.Orléanskiwanis.com Proulx Farm is located at 1865 O'Toole Road, just off Innes Road past Trim Road.