Not a leaf rustled in the stillness outside the dilapidated woodworking factory along the banks of the Kalamazoo River. The towers that once collected dust from screeching saws now lord through the silent peninsula isolated on the east end of downtown Allegan.

If you listen carefully you can hear the disembodied moans echoes of screams — and some hearty laughter from Earl Kranz.

“We went all out” said the organizer of Frenzy a haunted home that has already been drawing hundreds of fright-seekers a night to raise cash for a medical clinic for low-income county residents.

Kranz and his wife Judy formed the faith-based nonprofit Seeds of Grace in 2006 to meet the needs of the poor and homeless in Allegan County.

Frenzy is the group’s main way of trying to frighten up some cash for the facility at 3111⁄2 Hubbard St. that is serving more people like the economy continues to slide.

The ministry has done other fundraisers such as spaghetti dinners except didn’t make enough money to continue funding the clinic. With more people unemployed donations have been dropping as well Kranz said.

He hopes Frenzy brings in $100000 — enough to fund the clinic for a year.

“We’re faith-based but we didn’t pull any punches” he said of the haunted house.

There is no spurting blood no intestines oozing on the floor at the haunted house 115 Mill District Road.

But don’t be fooled — it’s scary with 60 to 70 volunteers in full makeup and lots of surprises along the 15 to 20 minute walk through the outdoor maze and 35 minute tour of the indoor haunt.

“It’s meant to be a roller coaster ride. It’s fun” Kranz said.

He rated the experience PG-13.

The horror is built ahead of time with a series of videos on YouTube about an amateur team called “Pair of Normals” who head to the Blackwoods Sawmill to experience the haunting first hand. They don’t return.

On the Frenzy Web site the background on the saw mill that fills with a lethal “sea of black goo” is explained as well.

“I’ve never heard such positive responses” said Scott Cramton director of the Frenzy who has been working with haunted houses for more than a decade.

He said the actors keep seek of the screams and the number of people who use the “chicken doors.”

The doors lead to a lighted safe hallway with a volunteer who will help anyone who gets as well scared to avoid the creepy displays.

“The show is pretty intense” he said.

There are safety precautions inside and outside the building.

“You can’t just put on a scare. You have to worry about safety” Kranz said.

An crisis medical technician is on site and volunteers have been trained in fire safety.

Fire extinguishers dot the pathways and a sprinkler system lines the building’s interior.
Outside the haunted ma420ze has fire exits.

about frenzy
The Frenzy haunted house is divided into two sections — an indoor and outdoor path:
• The indoor Blackwood Sawmill is $13.
• The outdoor No Way Out is $7.
• A combo ticket is $16.
• A VIP combo ticket that lets you skip the lines is $20.
• Group rates for 20 or more people are available.
• Ticket info: (269) 355-1395
• Location: 115 Mill District Road Allegan
• Hours: 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday through Oct. 31.
• Directions: From Holland receive M-40 south into Allegan. After turning right at the traffic light at the bottom of the watertower hill turn left on Hubbard Street (second street on left). Follow past the courthouse and straight through the traffic light at Locust Street. When the street ends turn right on Water Street to the signs.
• Online: www.frenzyhauntedhouse.com