Terror on Chamberlain back to provide scares and raise funds

GRAFTON — It may look like they are raising the dead at 18148 Chamberlain Road, but they are also raising money for charity. The Murrays are at it again, haunting their house and property for others to experience the Terror on Chamberlain. Last year, Robert and Michelle Murray welcomed more than 1,000 ghosts and ghouls and raised $1,100, which was donated to the Valor Home in Lorain, the Life Dementia Program and a local family. Over the past six years, the haunts around the 2-acre property have grown and this year may be the best one yet. "We've added a lot of stuff," Robert Murray said. "A witch's lair, a dollhouse full of creepy dolls, a new movie scene and we're constructing a bed and breakfast with a creepy twist." While he doesn't want to give too much away, he said the new displays will add to the already extravagant horror. The haunt walk started when the pandemic shut everything down. The Murrays' usual Halloween party had to be put on hold, so they decided to open their haunt to the public. Initially, they requested canned food donations to donate to a local foodbank, but changed that in 2022, allocating cash donations to two charities. Last year, they decided to help out a local family as well and they are doing it again this year. "People can walk through at their own pace and stay as little or as long as they like," Murray said. "I build a fire and people can hang out all night if they want." With a little more than a week before opening night on Oct. 3, time and weather are a constant concern. "I'm not panicking yet, but by the middle of next week, I might," he joked. The haunt walk is appropriate for kids and adults, but be forewarned: When possible, live actors will be dressed up in their haunting best and jumping in on the fun. The Murrays add something to their display each year, while trying not to take anything away. "We didn't do the witch last year and everyone said, 'Aw, you didn't do the witch,'" Murray said. "So, the witch is out this year. And the claustrophobic tunnel will be up." But Murray believes the newest addition could be their best scene ever. "This was my wife's idea and she's been asking me to do it for a while," he said. "I finally figured out how to do it and it's going to be pretty sweet." Their love of Halloween, the ability to make a difference and the blood-curdling terror is what keeps them going every year. "We're going to keep doing this as long as we can," Murray said. "When you're 2 acres back and you can hear the screams, it's pretty great." Terror on Chamberlain is open from 8 to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 through Nov. 1. Admission is by donation only. Anyone interested in submitting a family to be the recipient of this year's donation may do so on the Terror on Chamberlain Facebook page. Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com. IF YOU GOWHAT: Terror on Chamberlain haunt walk WHEN: 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays starting Oct. 3 through Nov. 1 WHERE: 18148 Chamberlain Road, Grafton COST: Donations accepted for Valor Home, the Life Dementia Program, and a local familyFOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Terror on Chamberlain on Facebook