CSN Albion Auto Collision holds 10th annual Haunted House

November 8, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By KIRA WRONSKA DORWARD

It was a perfect Halloween for CSN Albion Auto Collision to showcase their 10th anniversary charity Haunted House. In an incredible act of community spirit and charity, although there is no entrance fee, all donations go to Sick Kids, the Barbaro family shuts down their business for an entire week to prepare the elaborate showcase for children and adults alike.

“We have a lot of fun. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worthwhile,” said Sandra Barbaro, the matriarch of the Barbaro family and, for tonight, the head witch. The entire Barbaro family – nieces, nephews, kids, brothers and sisters – come out to fill the haunted house with ghoulish spectacles and cackling laughter. Walking through the set, it’s hard to believe that most of the “actors” are Barbaro family volunteers under the age of 13, who donate their time and talent to the cause instead of going out to trick-or-treat themselves.

Young Isabella Barbaro, eight years old, is dressed as a headless lady, after she saw the costume and refused to be anything else. Josh, five-years-old, is Spider-Man because, “It’s always Spider-Man,” laughs Barbaro. Sandra’s niece Cristina is playing her part in the House as a very convincing Samara from The Ring.

More community support comes from the Rotary Club with a van in the parking lot supplying cider and hot chocolate for both kids and parents. The police also volunteered their time to ensure that children walked across crosswalks safely, and everyone has both a safe and fun time. Terry Cutts, owner of the Palgrave Public Inn, dressed as either Willy Wonka or a 70’s rock star, is driving the designated driver golf cart for those seeking some harder cider.

“Unbelievable, the work these people put into it,” said Auxiliary Const. Bill Yetman, who has volunteered for this assignment for the last six years. “They work six days a week to get this ready and do it out of the goodness of their hearts. This is one of the businesses that cares about their community.”

Regional Counc. Jennifer Innis, her face made up as a cat, came out with her daughter Jolee and her friend Katie, both dressed in Alice in Wonderland theme in support of Mayfield’s stage production later that weekend. “It’s always a fun event and it’s great to see a local business with such great community spirit. They really did a good job,” said Innis.

When Jolee is asked to rate the Haunted House, she gives it a seven because “I didn’t scream.” Katie rates the exhibition as “a total 10!” We’ll see if CSN Albion Auto Collision and the Barbaros can top that rating next year.