Borough man continues Halloween tradition

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NAUGATUCK — Alan Musbeck says every year he’s not going to set up his haunted house Then, like clockwork, Halloween rolls around and Wacky Alan’s Haunted House pops up again at the corner of Quinn and Chestnut streets.

“I love it. I love Halloween, and I just do it to make the kids happy,” said Musbeck, who is affectionately known as “Wacky Al.”

For the past few weeks, Musbeck, who is 61 and retired, has been busy setting up the haunted house at his home at 156 Quinn St. in anticipation of the big night.

The haunted house is open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31. Aside from the frights, there will be a DJ playing music, hot and cold cider, chili and candy. Admission for the haunted house is a $1. Cider is a $1 and chili is $2. All of the money goes to help pay for the evening’s tricks and treats.

Musbeck started the haunted house in Naugatuck in 2000. It’s gotten bigger over the years and attracts thousands of people to the neighborhood. The night turns into more of a block party, and the police assist with the traffic, he said.

Over the years, Musbeck has had his share of helping hands. Last week, Jim Bowen and Anthony Cretella were at Musbeck’s home as he continued to prep for Halloween.

Cretella, a Naugatuck resident, said his friends lived in the neighborhood when he was growing up and he got to know about Wacky Alan’s Haunted House. Over time, Cretella got to know Musbeck too, and his wacky personality.

“He’s always smiling,” Cretella said.

This year will mark the fifth year Cretella has helped out with the haunted house.

“Like Al said, it’s just really fun and helps the kids have a good time,” Cretella said.