Zombies, skeletons and a six-foot-three chainsaw-wielding clown are just some of the frights waiting for visitors at the 5th Street Haunt in Lindenhurst. Now in its fourth year, the free haunted house was created by Lindenhurst resident Andrew Traficante to bring the community together and restore some Halloween spirit after the COVID-19 pandemic. “I felt after COVID, there was a lack of holiday, so I decided to build a free haunted house to have the Lindenhurst community come together and have for a good cause,” Organizer Andrew Traficante said.

It took about two weeks to set up this year’s haunt, which features new scares alongside familiar horror characters to keep visitors on their toes. But for Traficante, Halloween is about more than just getting a fright. “To me, Halloween is giving back what I got out of it and just having the kids have fun,” he said. The haunt also gives back to a cause close to Traficante’s heart. So far this season, it has raised more than $2,000 in donations. For the second year, the money is going to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Traficante said his nephew was born with a heart condition, and the organization helped his family through a difficult time. “It’s support from a home away from home so I really appreciate the cause,” he said. Four years after it began, the 5th Street Haunt continues to give families a place to gather, enjoy the Halloween season and support a meaningful cause. The haunted house is open through Sunday. Visitors can find more information on the 5th Street Haunt’s social media pages.