Chris Arnott is once again planning to delight trick-or-treaters with frightful decor at his south-end Barrie home while also raising money for local health care.
Dunnett's Dark Lair, located at 59 Dunnett's Dr., just off Ardagh Road, has become a Halloween tradition for hundreds of Barrie residents over the last 14 years.
In addition to becoming a highly anticipated local Halloween destination, Arnott has also raised money through the event each year in support of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s (RVH) Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. It's free to take in the chills, but guests are invited to donate to support patient care. Donations can be made in person or online.
The yard display is crafted from materials and decorations collected over many years, and Arnott spends months planning ways to make the design a unique and fun experience for his guests.
His work has not only thrilled trick-or-treaters locally, but it has also been recognized abroad in the 2017 Home Haunters DVD Awards, and the Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show for "Best Home Haunt" in 2017 and 2012. Arnott has also won the Best Canadian Yard Haunt Award from the Canadian Haunter's Association in 2019 and 2021.
The 15th annual Dunnett’s Dark Lair will be open for frights on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30 from 7-9 p.m., and Halloween night on Monday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m.
