LIMESTONE, Maine — Inspired to give back to her community, Limestone resident Christa Mattoon set up a haunted house at the former Loring Air Force Base last year that ended up raising about $2,500 for preservation of the base’s arch hangar.
This year Mattoon, with the help of family and community volunteers, is prepping another haunted house with the hopes of raising even more money.
Loring Air Force Base officially closed in September 1994 and later reopened as the Loring Commerce Centre.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Mattoon moved to Loring when she was 12. She left when she enlisted in the Navy, but later returned.
“Ever since I could remember, I had always thought it would be so cool to have a haunted house on the old base,” she said.
The event is set up by Mattoon, her parents, her friend Mel Harris, and a few community volunteers from the Loring Job Corps Center and the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, both of which are based in Limestone. Matton and her team aren’t part of a nonprofit group, but united to help boost the base.
Last year’s haunted house was a big success, drawing attendance of 500 to 700 people and raising more than $2,500.
“And we just did it for one weekend,” Mattoon said. “This year I decided I’m going to do it for two weekends.”
Mattoon and her team are trying to get people to come onto the base and see that there are possibilities there, she said.
Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Loring Development Authority. The funds will be used to facilitate initiatives aimed at attracting more events and new businesses to the former base.
As in 2024, this year’s haunted house will be held at the former religious education building on 198 Weinman Road. Signs will help guests navigate to the site.
Since last year’s event, the LDA has already seen increased interest in this building, and it was recently booked for emergency medical technician training, Mattoon said.
The house this year will feature a more kid-friendly haunted walk outside for small children. The building is two stories, and the lower level will be a little more family friendly, with the biggest scares reserved for the top floor.
“We decided to do a little walk for the kids outside with cute little things,” she said. “And then if some kids want to see something a little scarier, they can go in the house.”
The outdoor walk will be free of charge. Admission inside the house is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
The house will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, and then again the next weekend, Oct. 17 and 18, in the same timeframe. Each night will feature a different food truck near the haunted house.
If any businesses want to contribute to the event, they can reach Mattoon at 207-551-4148. A list of sponsors will be displayed at the house each night.
“I just want to give back to the community,” Mattoon said. “And everybody loves a haunted house.”
