ENM family offering ghostly fun
Mark and Jean Latzke of Elko New Market with their daughter Caitlin and friends and neighbors will be scaring up some fiendish fun near Halloween as they will host a “haunted house” in their garage and backyard at 3010 Aaron Drive from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, and 6:30-9 p.m. on Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31. During the two night event, the couple will also be taking donations for the local food shelf and Angel Foundation, a Twin Cities-based organization that provides emergency financial assistance, education and support to local adults with cancer and their families.
“This is our sixth year,” said Mark, adding that 25 people help each night with the elaborate haunted house. He noted the event actually began with a neighbor, Ryan Williams, who was the original host. Mark became involved when Williams asked if he would help. Mark had second thoughts, but decided to follow through and help. “I went out and bought a Leatherface mask (from Texas Chainsaw Massacre),” said Mark, adding he made up the rest of his costume from old clothing. “I helped him out and I never had more fun on Halloween in my entire life.”
When Williams and his family moved, Mark, Jean and Caitlin took over the haunted house. It started out small and simple, but it has grown. “Everything was in the garage, but it’s gotten bigger, expanding into the backyard,” said Mark. Up until last year the family could fit everything in a garden shed, but now they store their equipment in a shed at Mark’s parents’ farm near Henderson.
Besides providing people fun they hope to raise funds for Angel Foundation and non-perishable goods for the food shelf. Last year they raised $565 for the Angel Foundation and 382 pounds of food. They chose the Angel Foundation as Jean was going through treatment for ovarian cancer.
The Latzkes have gone to other Halloween attractions such as Mill Town Haunt in Dundas and one at the Dakota County fairgrounds. Mark grinned. “We like going to them to get ideas.”
They aren’t the only ones to host a haunted house as a friend has a smaller one a few homes down. They also get help from many adults and their friends Scott and Lori Firm help recruit people to volunteer.
Mark noted he’s been...
To see more on this story pick up the October 19, 2017 print edition of The New Prague Times.
