NHP When the small town of Palouse hosted its very first Haunted Palouse in October 2002, the event drew about 500 people and raised a little more than $3,000.

“We thought 500 was awesome,” Haunted Palouse organizer Annie Pillers said. “We thought we had hit the jackpot.” Since 2002, the event has only grown. Last year about 3,400 people visited Palouse over four nights, raising more than $30,000. In its seven years of existence, the Haunted Palouse has raised about $121,700.

“When we first started, we had (stretches of) 45 minutes with no one here,” Pillers said. “Now you can hardly take a potty break.” It all began as a way to save the Roy M. Chatters Newspaper and Printing Museum on Main Street.

When Palouse flooded in 1996, there was damage to many buildings, but especially to the museum because of its wooden floors, Pillers said. The floors fell apart, forcing the museum to close.

Several years later, members of the town were trying to brainstorm fundraising ideas, so the museum could re-open. Two newcomers to town went to a Chamber of Commerce meeting and suggested a haunted house.

“We didn’t know we couldn’t do it, so we did it,” Pillers said.

The museum, which hosts one of the haunted houses, is usually closed on the last Saturday of September, and then building begins, Pillers said. The museum was designed around the haunted house because a lot of the equipment is too big to move. Depending on the calendar year, there are at least two weekends to build, and the event lasts four or five nights. “It takes a lot of man power,” Pillers said. “Easily 50 people in a night, probably more.” As the event grew each year, so did its number of beneficiaries. The Palouse Arts Council became involved soon after the council formed in 2004, and it now runs one of the haunted houses. Some of the money raised helps fund the construction of a new community center and buy playground equipment for a city park. The Chamber of Commerce is the official sponsor of the event and also receives a portion of the proceeds.

A new participant, the Palouse Lions Club, will be involved for the first time this year as well. The club will run a new event at Haunted Palouse – a haunted hayride.

“No one ever comes and says we need some money,” Pillers said. “They come and say, ‘We’re willing to work really hard. Can we be a beneficiary?’ It’s real community spirit.” The Arts Council became involved as a way to raise money to operate the old Palouse Grange Hall. Most portions of its Haunted Palouse proceeds is used for maintenance and improvements to the building, and also for some events, said Kaye McGehee, Arts Council co-chairwoman for Haunted Palouse.

“Almost everyone in town comes together and contributes something to (Haunted Palouse),” she said.

As the event sponsor, the Chamber of Commerce promotes and is responsible for most of the Haunted Palouse’s planning, said Mike Milano, Palouse city councilman and chamber member.

“The city is involved to support that in any way we can,” he said.

The city makes sure there are an adequate number of police officers on duty, provides space for some of the events and also provides for other needs like extra garbage cans, Pillers said.

Janet Barstow, treasurer of the chamber and also the museum, said she thinks the event helps put Palouse on the map.

“We talk to the guests while they wait in line,” she said. “It’s surprising how many say they didn’t even realize there is actually a town called Palouse.” Barstow said the event will continue as long as people are willing to come.

“We would not do this if it wasn’t fun,” Pillers said. “It’s a hoot. We have a blast. We love it.” Get out and Go What: 8th annual Haunted Palouse Where: From Dissmore's IGA, take Highway 27 N 14 miles to Palouse When: Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31 Tickets sold from 7 to 10 p.m.

Cost: $15