Nightmares Haunt in Berea turns frights into funds for shelter dogs

BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56) — A couple is using their passion for Halloween to make a difference in their community.

“Nightmares,” a free, family-friendly home haunt in Berea, offers visitors a multi-room haunted house walkthrough in their barn, as well as an impressive outdoor display complete with inflatables and spooky decorations.

The haunt is run entirely by Terri Kellock and her husband, Chris, who use this annual tradition to raise funds for Bluegrass Bully Rescue, an organization they also foster dogs with.

Open every Friday and Saturday from 7–10 p.m. and Sundays from 7–9 p.m. throughout October—including Halloween night—the attraction promises thrills, chills, and heartwarming generosity.

“We do this because we love Halloween,” said Terri Kellock. “But what we really like is taking donations. We’ve worked with Bluegrass Bullies for three years now. The first year, we gave them just under $500. Last year, we raised just over $1,000. We figured, every year, if one person comes and gives us a dollar, that’s a dollar that’s going to feed a dog.”

The Kellocks started their haunted escapades in their previous home up north in Chicago. When they made the move to Kentucky, their love for Halloween and their community stayed strong.

The 2025 haunt opened to a record-breaking crowd this past weekend, nearly tripling the turnout of last year’s opening weekend.

Already, they’ve raised over $150 in donations from just the first weekend of the season. In 2024, they welcomed over 1,200 visitors and raised $1,125 for the rescue.

Nightmares Haunt is located at 190 Old Wallaceton Rd, Berea, KY 40403. Admission is completely free, with fully optional donations accepted via cash, Venmo, and Cash App.

Visitors can also check out videos and pictures of the haunt’s interior on the official Nightmares Haunt Facebook.

“We always tell people, take pictures, take videos, tag us, and let people know what you see. Our whole barn is pretty much all set up and decked out for a scare. It’s kind of a maze inside, so every square inch of our barn is done,” Terri said, “Fog machines are going, photo ops for the kids as well as the inflatable out front for the really young kids that are still in stroller age. Everybody seems to love it. It doesn’t matter what age they are.”

In addition to the haunted attraction, the Kellocks will be hosting a special adoption event featuring puppies available for adoption on Saturday, Oct. 18.