Trick or treat time is just around the corner and Coquitlam has some spooky fun to offer.
Residents Vickie Ayers and David Ciarniello have spent weeks setting up haunted house displays at their respective homes, with proceeds from both events benefiting Variety - The Children's Charity.
With the help of friends and family, Ciarniello has spent years collecting and building dozens of props, which include a number of technically complicated animatronics. And when Ken McLean of Halloween Alley on North Road heard that David was fundraising for Variety, he opened his doors and told him to borrow whatever he needed for the display.
If your little ones are a bit too small for serious spookiness, take them to Ayers' family friendly Halloween haunted house. For 15 years, she has entertained visitors with her spectacular display, with all proceeds donated to the children's charity.
A long-time Variety supporter, Ayers fundraises all year and makes an annual appearance on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon with her signature "money heart." Last year, her Haunted House raised more than $7,000 for children who have special needs, and her goal this year is to top that number.
Both haunted houses are open daily from Friday, Oct. 18 through Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31. Other details:
Ciarniello's display is located at 1838 Haversley Ave., Coquitlam and is open daily from 6 to 9 p.m. Entrance is by donation and there is candy for children.
Ayers' haunted house is located at 443 Draycott St., Coquitlam and is open daily from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Entrance is by donation and there is candy for kids. The site is wheelchair accessible and if you bring your recyclables, she will add your bottles and cans to her fundraising bottle drive.
