Software developer Michael Csendes may have missed his calling as a Hollywood set designer.
The North Bend resident’s eyes lit up as he described his plans for transforming Si View Community Center into a family-friendly haunted house, which will delight — and perhaps spook — community members the afternoon and evening of Saturday, Oct. 25.
Pointing to the future location of a tribute to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video, Csendes shared his vision.
“I want to design a set that looks like a set used in the video: a run-down city background, and streetlamps, fog coming up, ‘Thriller’ dancers with zombie make-up. People wouldn’t necessarily expect it. They’re just in line in the gym, and all of a sudden there’s a ‘Thriller’ dance.”
He paused, and was clear the wheels were turning.
“I always have these big ideas, and it’s like, ‘OK, now I have to figure out how to do it,” he continued. “And that’s the fun part.”
Csendes has been making Si View’s haunted house grander and more creative each Halloween since he started the tradition with his friend and co-organizer Tina Brandon five years ago.
A big fan of Halloween, Csendes had long enjoyed inviting neighbors to his home for parties and haunted houses. It occurred to him that a public haunted house could be a fun activity for families, and a way for more people to enjoy all the work and creativity that go into decorating. He approached Si View and the family services organization Encompass with the idea, and a partnership was born.
Each year, hundreds of community members enjoy the not-so-frightening daytime haunted house, held from 2 to 5 p.m. in conjunction with the Harvest Carnival, as well as the scarier version held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The bargain $1 admission fee helps to offset costs.
Though decorating begins in earnest in October, Csendes and his wife, Edrie, have the haunted house on the brain year-round.
“I always think about it. I’ll be at a garage sale, or see something on clearance — just some weird thing — and I think, I could do something great with that,” he said.
Csendes also helps set up Si View’s Daddy-Daughter Dance and Sno-Valley Idol events, and said he loves helping families come together.
He also enjoys the creative release of coming up with ideas and building them, like a spectacular, glowing 10-foot weather balloon that took over the gym ceiling during the Daddy-Daughter Dance.
“I heard some girls say, ‘Wow, did you see that balloon?’ That’s when it is rewarding, when you hear comments like that,” he said. “If I didn’t have to make a living, I would switch careers.”
Csendes encouraged others to get in on the fun of making the haunted house come alive. To volunteer as a decorator, “Thriller” dancer, or in any other capacity, send him an e-mail at mcsendes@yahoo.com. For more information about the haunted house, Harvest Carnival, or other family programs, visit www.siviewpark.org.
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