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A Windsor family has turned their California Avenue home into a spine-chilling haunted maze to raise money for a good cause.
Tammy and John Burkoski started what they call Reaper’s Gate about 12 years ago, transforming their home into a spooky attraction that has grown more elaborate each year, drawing hundreds of people eager for a good scare.
“When the kids were young, we set up a haunted house inside our home for their two classes and my son’s peewee football team,” John told the Star during a walk-through Thursday. “We thought it would be a few people but ended up with 200 strangers inside the house.
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“We decided to move it outdoors and that’s when it started — at one point we had 21 different tents throughout the whole property.”
Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
Patrons have donated non-perishables in the past, but the family is asking for monetary donations this year to support the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance.
“The monetary donations allow us to purchase exactly what we need for the charities that we choose,” Tammy said.
A small portion of the proceeds will also help replace some haunt supplies destroyed from a tornado that touched down in the area on Aug. 24, 2023.
A lot of planning and hard work
The Burkoskis begin setting up their haunted attraction around Labour Day, assembling hundreds of props and as many as 60 animatronics.
John, the muscle behind the effort, credits the theme and design to Tammy’s vision and creativity.
“As soon as we take it down in November, she is already planning what she wants to do the following year,” John said. “Every year we add a little bit to change things up.
“It’s our time to play.”
This year’s theme is inspired by childhood books like the Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and Little Red Riding Hood.
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Those who enter will be led through a winding, zig-zag path spanning 20 unique rooms stationed with volunteer live actors to add an extra layer of excitement.
“Families can’t go anywhere or do anything for free anymore,” Tammy told the Star. “We love doing this… why buy the toys if you can’t share them, right?”
A family tradition
The haunt, which has become a beloved seasonal highlight in South Windsor, is a family affair.
“John’s father Tom calls me the engineer of the haunt,” Tammy said. “I plan the layout and design and the boys — John, Tom, and our son Gavin — are the builders.
“Our daughter Chelsie is the artist and sculptor. John’s mom is the cook and snack provider while mine is the gate keeper. We have had family and friends help us since we started in 2011.
“The neighbours help supply hydro when needed and their kids also volunteer to be a part of it.”
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Reaper’s Gate — located at 3150 California Ave. — runs Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 12-13, 19-20) from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Families with young children can also enjoy “no scare days” on October 12 and 19 from 12-2 p.m. to experience the maze without all of the fear.
The haunt is not wheel chair or stroller friendly due to uneven ground and steps. For more information, visit the Reaper’s Gate Facebook page.
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