MUSCATINE, Iowa–Though witches and zombies, ghosts and ghouls come to mind as the scariest parts of the Halloween season, Troy “Stinky” Philpot considers hunger the scariest thing in Muscatine County. With the Salvation Army of Muscatine County’s pantry working its hardest to keep up with a growing number of people needing food assistance due to rising prices, the need for donations has increased, and Philpot hopes to meet that increase through Stinky’s House of Horror’s annual food drive. With the haunt bigger and better than ever and more ways for people to enjoy its spook-tacular thrills on Halloween and even a little before, Philpot hopes to keep breaking his goal of 5,000 pounds of food and keep Muscatine County fed.

Both first time guests and long time visitors to Stinky’s House of Horrors will find something new to scream about Oct. 31 starting at 5 p.m. Staples of the haunt, such as the clown house and the slaughter house will return, with new frightening twists sure to unsettle even the most seasoned haunted house goer. Witches should think twice about attending this year, as several new ghoulish features will spell trouble for them. Philpot also cryptically warned to, “beware of the evil elf,” and invites people to come find out what he means for themselves, if they dare. With a huge spider web, black lit stairs leading up to the haunt, and many other eerie new features, anyone looking for a good scare this year must come visit Stinky’s House of Horrors.

Even before the haunt officially starts on Halloween, Stinky’s House of Horrors will have a special pre event tent out in front of their location at 911 East 11th Street in Muscatine. From Oct. 27 through 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., people may visit the tent to purchase Stinky’s expertly made, latex free costume prosthetics, such as bite marks, open wounds, and festering boils. People looking for a custom prosthetic or help applying it can also discuss the cost of those services, with all the proceeds going to the Salvation Army of Muscatine County. People may also donate 24 cans to get their Axe-spress pass early, which will put them in the fast lane into the haunt on Halloween night. As an added bonus this year, L&B Lawncare will give a 10% discount to all Axe-spress pass donors on their next service.

Earlier in the season, Stinky’s House of Horrors teamed up with a new fundraising partner as well. West Hill Cakery, which Philpot and his family enjoy treats from very much, has sold a special six pack of Halloween themed cupcakes with $6 from each sale going to the Salvation Army of Muscatine County. An early donation from Jim Reynolds and Reynolds Engineering has also jump started this year’s donations.

As always, on the night of the haunt, people can pay one can of food to enter or 24 for an Axe-spress pass. Stinky’s House of Horrors will remain open until no new visitors with cans come for 20 minutes.

With the need the greatest Philpot has seen it since he started Stinky’s House of Horrors, he and all his volunteers look forward to having a record turnout this year to combat it. “It’s a good cause and we have a good time,” emphasized haunt volunteer Shawn Frye.