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Bad economy not affecting Shoals haunted house

By Josh Ault  bio|e-mail

KILLEN, AL (WAFF)  Halloween attractions are big business in October, but are they suffering with the slumping economy?

At Graystone Manor, a haunted house located on highway 72, the economy may be helping them.

"People have stayed local with their money," said Vinnie Grosso, co-owne of Graystone Manor. "They didn't go off to Disney World or other places."

Graystone Manor has been open for three years.  Grosso said this year they were not expecting large crowds.

"Just like any business owner we were concerned with the economic downturn," said Grosso, "We would have been happy with what we did last year."

The owners said they didn't have anything to worry about. They have been breaking records.

On Saturday, the haunted house had 1,700 people come through - the highest number the owners had ever seen.

"It's a discretionary spending," said Debbie Wilson, who visited Graystone Manor on Sunday. "It's something I look forward to every year."

Wilson said spending the $15 was well worth it.

"We are very fortunate to have an attraction of national caliber in our area," said Wilson. "That made it worth it."

This year Graystone Manor was voted No. 13 on www.hauntworld.com, a national ranking of haunted attractions. Grosso said they are expecting even bigger numbers closer to Halloween. 

So for now the recession is not scaring customers away from Graystone Manor.

Graystone Manor is rated PG-13, so smaller kids might want to skip it.  To learn more about Graystone Manor click here: http://graystonemanor.net/

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