Arts & Entertainment, Neighbors, Non-profits

Croydon Haunted Hollows Unveils ‘Sinister Circus’ With Focus On Inclusivity

October 30, 2024

Staff

A special Halloween display in Bristol Township’s Croydon section has returned.

This year, Croydon Haunted Hollows is set on the theme of “Sinister Circus: The Mad Scientist’s Twisted Sideshow.”

Led by Colleen Prendergast and her dedicated team, the display has transformed the family’s yard at 507 Girard Avenue into a spectacle that promises thrills for all ages.

The display, which has grown significantly over the years, uniquely operates as a nonprofit aimed at providing a memorable and inclusive Halloween experience for the community.

This year’s theme was “inspired by a spirit of embracing uniqueness,” the organizers said.

“We’ve faced criticism for our sensory-friendly haunts, with people calling us ‘freaks,’” Prendergast said. “So, I thought, if we’re going to be called freaks, we might as well own it! We can all be freaks for a day and celebrate our differences.”

The event welcomes cast members of all ages, from 6 to 69, including those who are autistic or have disabilities.

The haunt is designed by the Prendergast family and their helpers to be eerie yet welcoming, with a special sensory-friendly haunted walkthrough developed in collaboration with Jacqueline Breault-Straffe from TB Children’s Services, an autism nonprofit.

“Let’s not call it a freak show; many in the autistic community already feel different enough without the label. But I love how Croydon Haunted Hollows makes everyone feel included, not singled out. For these events, we’re all circus misfits together,” Breault-Straffe said.

The fun unfolds on Halloween with the sensory friendly haunt from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the nighttime haunt from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday.

The events are free, but donations are appreciated to support the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts.

Local businesses, including sponsors like Inspire Federal Credit Union and Seeno’s of Croydon, along with other community members, have donated items from food to decorations.

The “boo crew” has made appearances at local venues like Pot Heads Coffee House and Neshaminy Creek Brewing to spread the word on the annual display.

“It’s been an incredible season, seeing how much fun our crew has had while haunting at other locations,” Prendergast stated. “It’s all about bringing a spooky, fun time to everyone.”

Looking ahead, Croydon Haunted Hollows is launching the Mellow Monsters initiative next year to encourage more sensory-friendly experiences nationwide. So far, attractions like Hamilton House of Horrors in Ohio are embracing the concept.

Prendergast’s commitment to inclusivity was recognized with the Nova Bucks Upstander Award recently for her efforts in promoting inclusive community events.

For more information, contact Colleen Prendergast at 215-588-2245, via email at c roydonhauntedhollows@gmail.com, or visit croydonhauntedhollows.org. Follow Croydon Haunted Hollows on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.

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