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Just in time for Halloween, on October 30, The Elk Theater opens for business.

Elkin teens flocked to the theater with their quarters to see movies like Citizen Kane, The Devil and Daniel Webster and The Wolf Man.

The Elk Theater, also known as The Elk Twin and most recently as The Reeves Theater was a mainstay for local youth for more than 50 years.

But in 1994, a storm damaged what remained of the theater. Since then many area residents have tried to revive the treasured landmark, and last weekend screams were heard coming from within the exposed skeletal walls. Just in time for Halloween, a group of teens were practicing for the Haunted Reeves, an annual haunted house with proceeds benefiting the Reeves Restoration Project. The Haunted Reeves is open for business again for those who dare to enter.

Many adult volunteers, including Dr. Skip Whitman, Cicely McCulloch and Robin Turner, made the Haunted Reeves a reality, but area teens have brought it to life once more.

Neil Green, a recent graduate of Elkin High School, has been a Haunted Reeves volunteer from the time he was a sophomore in high school. Green said, “That year, I found myself working in the haunted house and have volunteered every year since.” This year he helped recruit some new spirits.“I love doing it, and over the years it has gotten better and better. It’s just fun to scare people.”

Another area teen offering his time and talent to the Haunted Reeves is East Wilkes Senior, Craig Alley. Although first recruited to work the haunted house as a volunteer, Alley has since chosen to do the Haunted Reeves as his senior project. Alley commented, “I was a part of it last year and found out it was something I really enjoyed, so I chose to help build this year’s haunted house as my senior project.” Alley said his favorite part about volunteering at the Reeves Haunted House was meeting new people and, of course, scaring them. “It’s my second year participating and I am proud to be a worker for the Reeves Restoration Project.”

Besides Green and Alley, visitors will be spooked by several additional teens, including student actors from Elkin High School’s drama club. Clowns, mimes, zombies, and assorted ghouls are committed to scaring visitors senseless.

For those with the courage to enter, the price for a night of screams is $5 per person. All monies raised will go to the Reeves Restoration Project. Fright nights will continue each night including Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. until 12 midnight and open even earlier on Halloween night beginning at 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Be sure to visit on Halloween or before since the season ends on Halloween night.