What Happens If SCT Is Shut Down...

I get it. Many people see me as the Halloween-obsessed owner of the Whitehall Ledger and the creator of Whitehall’s annual haunted House Screams Come True (SCT). And it’s true - I am all of those things. However, SCT isn’t just about Halloween. It’s not “just a haunted house” as I have heard many times in the last month as I fight to work out issues with SCT’s location and lack of commercial fire suppression system with the State Fire Marshals. SCT is so much more than that.

Let’s get basic here. SCT provides the youth of Whitehall (as well as many of its adults) something to do for over a month each year. Kids of all ages pack into the Whitehall Community Center every afternoon, waiting for directions on what the next room to be built will be and how they can help. I’m a drama kid at heart (also the high school drama teacher)...SCT is quite possibly the largest theatrical production many will be involved in on the ground floor in their lifetimes. Not only do we build from scratch each year in the blank canvas that is the community center, we create costumes, props, and characters. SCT teaches the participants how to get the most out of a scare, without relying on a jump scare. It’s a true theatre piece.

Now, let’s go deeper. The trickle-down effect of SCT impacts our whole community. Not only does SCT bring in over 4,000 attendees each year - which impacts many local businesses’ bottom lines - it also helps fund a major non-profit in our area - Gold Junction Presents (GJP). GJP is responsible for bringing many arts and cultural events to our community, including (but not limited to) Shakespeare in the Park, Montana Shakes workshops at the schools, juggling workshops, community theatre, classical music concerts, and the many free movies series that grace the silver screen of the Star Theatre. When GJP is unable full sponsorships for these events, the money raised by SCT helps cover the balance. Without SCT these events will be in danger of disappearing as well.

SCT is in danger of being shut down because of very stringent fire codes in place by the state. Currently, as told to me by the State Fire Marshall, the only location in Montana with a fire suppression system needed for a haunted house is located at the Yellowstone Club. While I am in full support of keeping the public safe and sound inside the haunted house, the restrictions are incredibly high in regards to what a small community like Whitehall can actually afford and do. I am working with many entities to keep SCT going, but your support is needed and very much appreciated.

If you are so inclined, please write a short letter of support for SCT. This event has put Whitehall on the map, as it was named Montana’s best haunted house attraction in 2022. Letters may be emailed to screamscometruemt@gmail.com or mailed to PO Box 25, Whitehall, MT 59759.