The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station is used to getting visitors – but it’s not everyday these visitors come dressed as Darth Vader, Princess Elsa, Superman and the Werewolf.
On Sunday the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department welcomed hundreds of local families to their station for the 28th annual Haunted Jailhouse.
Over 3,500 people came out, dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes, to enjoy the haunted mazes, live entertainment and to help support a good cause.
“This is our Haunted Jailhouse,” said Deputy of Community Relations Fanny Lapkin. “The proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club.”
The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita, said CEO Matthew Nelson, helped bring the Halloween spirit to the jailhouse for the 20th consecutive year.
The teenage groups at the club designed the event’s most popular attraction, a tour of the jailhouse on which guests were spooked by ghosts and zombies, that drew large crowds and a line that stretched around the corner.
“The teens plan, implement and put on the scary maze,” said Nelson. “It give the teens an opportunity to develop leadership skills.”
Vanessa Lopez, a team leader at the Boys and Girls Club, concurred.
“Coming up with the idea and seeing (the teens’) idea come to life,” she said, “it’s rewarding.”
The event was rewarding for the deputies at the Santa Clarita Station as well – deputies on the crime prevention squad had been planning it since July, said Lapkin.
“It’s our biggest event at the station and it’s considered out open house,” she said.
The station was able to show off their police vehicles to families, and persuaded 11 deputies to sign up for the “Deputy Dunk Tank.”
For only $2 admission at the door, all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club, families were treated to an afternoon of spooky, clean fun.
“It’s a really great partnership we have with the department,” said Nelson.
“It’s safe, fun and it brings people together.”
