While most people are thinking sun and sand, Mat Robinson and Jennifer Aubrechtova are busy getting spooky.
For the past nine years, the Barrie haunters have put on a Halloween extravaganza at their 18 Northpark Road home and preparations are well underway for the frightening fun of 2017.
"We started at the end of March," said Mat. "It's probably the biggest year we've ever done. We've gone as far as to invite the Mayor's office."
The couple belongs to the Canadian Haunters Association, a nationwide network of haunters.
There are three big haunts in Barrie that belong to the Association - Robinson's Everest Cemetery at 18 Northpark Road, Dunnetts's Dark Lair at 59 Dunnett Drive and Blackrot Asylum on 24 Saxon Road.
A red and white striped tarp conceals a huge structure In their backyard but details are secret.
"That is part of our brand new theme this year," Mat explains.
He does reveal that this year the haunt will expand to include the entire backyard and Mat has 90 skids to build into a 'twisting, turning' maze.'
The couple has scared up ten extra actors to put on costumes and frighten people.
"We cant wait," said Jennifer, who reveals a teaser about this year's theme. "It's a Carn-evil. A play off Carnival. A Halloween Carnival. A carnival but evil."
Just over 500 people went through their Everest Cemetery last Halloween and this year they'll be collecting donations for Gilda's Club with the haunt.
There are several sponsors who help make the haunt happen: Barrie Hill farms; Fresh Mix Limited; Home Hardware on Bayfield St.
Theirs is a match made in Halloween heaven as Mat builds all the structures and Jennifer does all the fine detail work.
She proudly shows off a life-size skeleton in their living room she's crafting into the remains of a mermaid.
The couple says one next-door-neighbour is new to the street this year but the other neighbour is used to the haunting.
Although the large, secret structure in the backyard did have him a bit worried.
"When I put this structure up he was kind of hesitant but then he realized it's all white on the other side so they can run a projector and have an outdoor movie night," said Mat. "This neighbour is brand new to us this year. So they'll learn about it as they go. I don't think they understand how big we really go."
"I think our neighbours are more tolerant because it's not blood and gore," adds Jennifer. "It's not something that's going to gross them out and be disrespectful to different beliefs. The front yard is just cemetery creepy but not gross."
In July, their abode looks like a regular family home but by Oct. it's completely transformed into a masterpiece of Halloween mischief.
Once Oct. 31 passes, it's back to the suburbia look within a couple of days.
"There's no trace of Halloween when it's over," said Jennifer. "That's why we don't decorate for Christmas."
