SCHC hosts fright night at the convent

Who knows what might be lurking in the basement and tunnels of the old convent at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center?

There could be a musty smell emanating from the old structure, or perhaps the scratching of a stray cat trying to find its way out.

Then again, there might be a sudden chill in the air or a noise that doesn't sound quite human.

Of course, there's no telling what visitors might encounter this weekend when the Southern Cultural Heritage Center transforms its old convent, basement and tunnels into the annual Tunnel of Terror Haunted House.

The event, along with the It's Fall Y'all Carnival, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

This year marks the fifth year the Southern Cultural Heritage Center has hosted a haunted house, but SCH Foundation Executive Director Stacey Mahoney said the idea had been rattling around for years before they finally held the inaugural event.

“The haunted house path used to go through the alley and out on the carnival side. Now we take you through the convent, down into the convent basement, then into the alley and out at the carnival side,” Mahoney said.

“Also, as requested by the public, we added a second day to our haunted house schedule. So, for the last two years we have it on a Saturday and Sunday.”

And while the convent and tunnels may have an eerie atmosphere all on their own, Mahoney said a lot of thought goes into the construction of the haunted house.

“We have to black out windows to make it dark, create scenes, and then add actors. Our staff and dedicated volunteers make it happen. We try to leave some things in place, but start working weeks ahead to get things ready for the show,” she said.

For those who have visited the haunted house in previous years, Mahoney said not to worry, surprises will be lurking in new locations.

“We always change up the scenes and characters, to keep it new and exciting. And of course, we will not warn you what to look out for,” she said.

The haunted house isn't the only attraction planned for the weekend. The It's Fall Y'all Carnival will offer plenty of Halloween fun in the courtyard at the corner of Cherry and Crawford streets.

The carnival will feature pumpkin decorating, face painting, a jump house and games, along with music, prizes and sweet treats. Triple J's Pizza Taco will also be on hand.

And for those whose nerves might not withstand the frightful journey through the convent's basement and tunnels, Scaredy Cat hours will be offered from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets for the haunted house are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and include admission to the carnival. Carnival-only admission is $5 per person, with game tickets sold separately. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or by calling 601-631-2997.

And remember, not everything that goes bump in the night has an explanation, especially in an old convent.

“In my 12 years here, there have been many ghost stories and unexplained happenings,” Mahoney said. “You'll have to decide whether your experience in the Tunnel of Terror was with an actor or for real.”