In Stanfordville, Volunteers Blur the Line Between Nightmare and Reality

The faint glow of jack o’ lanterns flickers through the mist, lighting the path toward a crumbling gothic archway. As you pass beneath, a chill clings to the air, tightening its grip like an unseen hand. Above, gargoyles leer from the shadows, frozen in mid-snarl, while skeletal figures seem to track your every movement. A witch’s cackle echoes in the distance and, in a dimly lit corner, a blood-splattered doctor sharpens his tools with meticulous precision. The line between nightmare and reality blurs and, before long, you’re fully immersed in the terror that lies ahead.

But fear not — it’s only Stanfordville’s Haunted Fortress, a Halloween tradition that has turned 11 Creamery Road, just west of Route 82, into a nightmarish playground for thrill-seekers since 1997. Once known as Frankenstein’s Fortress, this volunteer-driven attraction captures the essence of the season with an eerie mix of atmosphere, live actors and carefully crafted scares.

The Haunted Fortress opened its doors for the season last weekend. Tucked on a plot owned by the Stanford Highway Department, it sits at the edge of a wetland, surrounded by towering reeds and trees that create a natural, spooky soundscape. Visitors pay their entry fees — $15 for adults, $10 for children and seniors — before making their way along a winding path through the slough. The trail alternates between solid ground and raised wooden walkways that span patches of swamp, where the sounds of wildlife mix with ghostly murmurs, courtesy of the Fortress production team.

As visitors emerge from the swamp, they’re greeted by a large pirate, played by volunteer Teddy Secor, who stands before the stern of his ship. Secor, one of many performers, outlines the safety rules and cracks a few jokes before hooded guides appear to escort each group through the Fortress. The ensuing 30-minute journey blends jump scares with eerie tableaus and atmospheric soundscapes, ensuring no two moments feel the same.

“My first job here was the glamorous task of raking leaves,” said Secor with a laugh.  “Now I interact, help set the tone, and make [visitors’] wait time a little entertaining. By the end of the night I’m ready for a cup of cocoa.” 

In 2010, Wing handed off care of the Fortress to the town, which ran it sporadically until COVID-19 halted all operations. In 2022, the Haunted Fortress was resurrected by a committee of local volunteers dedicated to preserving Wing’s vision while adding additional frightening elements. The committee renamed the attraction to reflect its new era while honoring its roots.

Leading the charge is Greg Arent, the committee’s chairperson, who brings a lifelong passion for theater to the project. He handles the sound and lighting design, while Esther Evans oversees the wardrobe and Secor manages marketing and performs key roles in the production. Throughout the year, the Fortress committee works tirelessly to maintain and improve the site, ensuring the structures are safe and the walkways passable despite the swampy terrain.

On performance nights, the Boo Barn — a former Highway Department building — becomes the center of activity. Volunteers arrive around 5 p.m. to don costumes from Evans’ collection of more than 3,000 items and to receive their makeup, courtesy of Christine Salazzo’s team. Once dressed, they disperse to their designated spots, ready to bring the Fortress to life. Arent orchestrates the crowd flow, ensuring visitors don’t linger too long in the cold, while Secor’s pirate character keeps the mood light before the frights begin.

Financially, the Haunted Fortress sustains itself through ticket sales, though the biggest challenge isn’t money — it’s manpower. 

“We can run this with 20 people but 50 or 60 would be ideal,” Arent said.  “We sometimes have whole families or a group of friends come and take over a scene — I love the natural interaction. Everyone is welcome to pitch in, and you’ll get a lot out of it. It’s the best free therapy you can get!”  

Arent added that the project is a year-round commitment, with structures needing repair, lighting requiring constant upkeep and costumes demanding regular attention. Maintaining the site is labor-intensive and requires finding volunteers with the necessary trade skills, such as electrical work and carpentry. “I do a lot of the costume work myself,” said Evans. “If you have someone who knows their way around a sewing machine, send them my way!”

Despite these challenges, the Haunted Fortress continues to thrive, with volunteers dedicated to expanding and enhancing the experience year after year. As the lines between reality and nightmare blur, it’s clear that this isn’t just a Halloween attraction — it’s a testament to the community’s creativity, determination and love of a good scare.

The Haunted Fortress of Stanford is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., through Oct. 27. Entrance fees are $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors and children 12 and under.

The Fortress will be open Sunday, Oct. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. for daylight walkthroughs without sound effects, strobe lights or spooky characters, at no charge. Foul weather may cause cancellations.