WORCESTER—If you missed the annual Crompton Street Haunted Walk this past weekend—don’t fear. There is another opportunity to experience the bone-chilling odyssey this Saturday, Oct. 18. But be warned, the frightening scenes of the Haunted Walk have been amplified, making this year’s event “bigger and scarier than ever.”
The fourth installment, called “Chapter 4,” of the Haunted Walk takes place from 7-10 p.m. at 28 Crompton St., and is hosted by Carolyn Swift-Arcuri and Jennifer Hassett.
This event is a chilling yet cherished tradition in Worcester, and can be enjoyed by all ages with choice in scare-level available (scare or no scare, touch or no touch). Swift-Arcuri explains how they strike a balance between fear and fun.
“Our goal is to create genuine suspense and excitement, but always in a way that’s fun and safe for everyone,” she said, “At the end of the night, we want people leaving with big smiles… and maybe a few goosebumps.”
Kristin Little, a dedicated patron of the walk, gives us a glimpse into her group’s experience. “My son, he’s 2, loves it,” she said. “He’s running around high-fiving all the actors, enjoying everything going on. And the adults say it’s an experience like no other.”
This year promises to be “an even more twisted, immersive experience, featuring handcrafted sets, eerie surprises and spine-chilling scares around every corner.” Every scene is hand-built from the ground up with the intention of creating the most immersive experience possible for visitors. Little advocates for the extensive amount of craftsmanship. “They put such detail into each room that they create,” she said. “Some of the actors you can’t tell from fake scenes.”
Planning for the Haunted Walk takes dedication, and both Swift-Arcuri and Hassett begin their work months in advance. “It’s not just a weekend setup—it’s months of building, designing and dreaming up new ways to surprise our guests,” said Hassett “Every scream you hear in October has been in the works since early spring!” .
Despite thrills from start-to-end, Little stressed it’s not all shrieking and suspense. The walk creates a sense of shared excitement and fun. “It is a neighborhood experience,” she said, “The screams, the laughter. You can feel everyone having a good time in the air.” For the hosts, seeing the community come together is the best part.
“Watching everyone laugh, scream and have a good time reminds me why we do it,” said Swift-Arcuri. “It’s become more than just a haunted walk — it’s a community tradition that I’m truly proud to be part of.”
Admission to the event is $5. Each year, the hosts dedicate the event by giving back to the community through donations to different causes. This year, in addition to the admission fee, the hosts request that attendees also bring a non-perishable food item to support the Vernon Hill Elementary School. A portion of the proceeds go to Worcester Animal Rescue League.
A final caution comes from Swift-Arcuri: “Dare to enter… because once you cross the threshold, the street owns you.”
Caroline Lacy is an English student at Worcester State University, exploring journalism and storytelling, with a focus on culture and human-interest stories. She can be reached at clacy@worcester.edu.
