The Haunting of Bridgeport Elks #714 — 2025 Review

The Haunting of Bridgeport Elks #714

Location: Bridgeport, PA

Date: 10/25/2025

Overall Rating: 5.5 / 10

For more than 25 years, the Bridgeport Elks Lodge has transformed its basement into a beloved local haunt, bringing classic Halloween spirit to the community. The Haunting of Bridgeport Elks #714 is the definition of small-town spooky fun — an old-school, homegrown haunted house that proudly embraces its low-budget charm. Admission is just $15 ($25 with a T-shirt combo), making it an affordable add-on stop for families or anyone chasing a few quick chills.

This year’s story opened aboard a spaceship escape sequence, where mutant creatures invaded before guests were ushered down a dimly lit stairwell to the lodge’s basement maze. The seven-minute walkthrough offered a mix of familiar faces — including a lurking Michael Myers — plus a towering monster that surprised everyone. It’s not a high-intensity frightfest, but it is a nostalgic nod to the type of charity haunt many of us grew up attending.

Entertainment Value: 4.5 / 10

For the price, you get a short but spirited experience. Groups of two or three enter at a time, adding a personal touch and keeping the flow manageable. There’s minimal entertainment outside the attraction — just some pumpkins, tombstones, and a banner marking the lodge lawn — yet the warmth of the volunteers and the community feel shine through. A few small additions like themed music, photo-ops, or a bake-sale table would stretch the fun a bit further and give guests a reason to linger after their walkthrough.

Costume & Makeup: 6 / 10

Makeup and costuming were simple yet effective for a volunteer cast. A mix of masks, makeup, and thrift-shop creativity brought the creatures to life. The Alien in the opening scene easily stole the spotlight — the movement, sound, and look worked perfectly together to kick off the show. Other costumes didn’t necessarily align with one storyline, but each performer clearly gave it their best to deliver a good scare.

Cast & Crew: 6 / 10

This is where the heart of the haunt truly shows. Everyone involved seemed genuinely happy to be there and eager to entertain. Performances ranged from shy to bold, but the enthusiasm was contagious. The team clearly takes pride in keeping the haunt running after all these years, and their friendly demeanor added to the small-town charm. It’s community theater meets Halloween — and that’s exactly what gives it soul.

Set Design & Special Effects: 6 / 10

Everything inside The Haunting of Bridgeport Elks #714 is home-built — from pallet walls and flickering lights to foggy corners and classic props. It’s rough around the edges, sure, but that handmade aesthetic carries a certain nostalgic magic. The spaceship intro was clever, and the basement maze felt like a throwback to 1990s haunted houses — simple, spooky, and resourceful. It’s impressive what this team achieves with basic materials and passion alone.

Fright & Thrill Factor: 5 / 10

Scares leaned on surprise rather than intensity, with a few solid jump moments sprinkled throughout. The Michael Myers reveal in the hanging-sheet room was a highlight, and one giant actor mid-haunt brought an intimidating presence. While not a “scream-all-night” haunt, it offers approachable thrills that fit its family-friendly vibe.

Sharpening the Scare:

Even long-running haunts can evolve while keeping their heart intact. Here are a few ways The Haunting of Bridgeport Elks #714 could build on its legacy:

• Unify the Theme: Decide whether the story leans toward alien invasion, haunted lodge, or classic monsters — a focused storyline enhances immersion.

• Reignite Interactivity: Bring back the fun, physical moments from earlier years (like the tipping bench or door maze) that made guests part of the show.

• Add a Little Atmosphere: Outdoor music, eerie lighting, or a themed selfie spot would instantly make the haunt feel livelier.

• Boost Promotion: More Facebook updates or even a simple website could help locals discover this hidden spooky haunt stop and plan their visit.

• Community Touches: Selling cider, coffee, or baked goods before or after entry adds charm and raises extra funds for the cause.

• Lengthen the Experience: Re-incorporating the upstairs or outdoor portions from previous years would add value without needing major rebuilds. Or consider exploring a $5 “repeat entry” option to give haunt-goers the chance to experience it again and extend their night.

With just a few updates, this decades-old event could easily transform from a quick stop into a memorable annual tradition for even more families.

Fright Night MVP:

👽 The Alien — Our top honor goes to the mutant creature in the opening scene! Their eerie movement, chilling presence, and fitting costume created the most immersive and memorable moment of the night.

Recap the Screams:

The Haunting of Bridgeport Elks #714 isn’t trying to compete with big-budget scream parks — and that’s what makes it special. It’s an endearing, community-built haunt that’s been scaring (and smiling) locals for over a quarter-century. It’s perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who loves that nostalgic “haunted-basement” feeling. With some refreshed creativity and small experience boosts, this long-running tradition could keep its spooky spirit thriving for another 25 years and beyond.