RECAP:  Groups are initially sequestered in an enclosed holding area where it’s learned that being quarantined for the past year and a half due to Covid-19 has taken its toll on Mayor Joseph, and now he’s poised for revenge, and exerting his frustrations on those entering his Town Hall!  A startling surprise sets the stage for the exploration that sets sail through a foul-smelling boiler room, where the still-smoldering remains of a recently incinerated corpse is discovered within a crematorium-like furnace before continuing into a lethal, torture chamber-like jail filled with caged skeletons interrupts a merciless electrocution of a convulsing captive!  Escape along an old, wooden fence outside an isolated cabin angers a pig-faced villain that anxiously emerges through a hidden, sliding door happily proclaiming, “It’s time to die!” while revving a murderous chainsaw up over his head!  Right on cue, a distempered accomplice bursts forth from an outhouse armed with another gas-guzzling, flesh-destroying saw, who encourages progression inside the old shack itself, where he’s joined by an irate brute swinging a bloody axe, and sharing his cohort’s enthusiasm exclaiming “You’re not going to make it out alive!” then taunting with chants of, “Suey, suey!”

Upstairs, a dimly-lit classroom unveils a ghostly apparition to the accompaniment of “I will not kill!” repetitively written on a disciplinary blackboard!  A previously concealed, secret passage reveals itself behind a dusty bookcase that mysteriously swings open on its own exposing an unsure getaway route that dumps into the clutches of a bizarre, red-eyed beast inside some sort of cave-like connector that evokes the pursuit of a stalking, unseen assailant whispering, “I’m right behind you!” and other intimidating warnings in advance of a path-blocking encounter with a 7-foot tall monster!  Advancement through a claustrophobic passage yields to a series of slide-down panel startles, then a falling ceiling that unexpectedly comes crashing down from above, and a pick-a-door encounter that leads directly into the waiting arms of a killer clown pointing the way into an abhorrent medical mishap courtesy of a malpracticing physician who’s right in the middle of some horrific surgical procedure highlighted by the removal of his patient’s intestines!

More whispered deterrents accompany navigation through HTH’s one-of-a-kind, tilted maze!  Follow the voices; they “will show you the way,” which eventually stumbles through an upside-down room, and into a bloody kitchen that’s home to a hellish cook equipped with a rather large meat cleaver intent on dicing someone up into tiny pieces impatiently announcing, "I've been waiting for you!," and "I'm so hungry!"  Decapitated heads dangle from meat hooks as a loathsome chef declares, "I need a few more new ones for my collection!"  Departure through a tunnel of spiderweb-covered and cocoon encased bodies advances into an empty coffin room occupied by a spooky, bloody-mouthed undertaker precariously stating “I have one just the right size for you!” Elusion moves alongside a bottomless pit shadowed by an encouraging wall that without warning begins squeezing the path dangerously close to the edge of the endlessly falling abyss!

Still to come is an elaborate graveyard showcasing moving tombstones and the undead being reanimated to life, then it’s into the confines of an imprisoning cage maze inhabited by a pair of wickedly laughing clowns,  while another deceitful joker scampers wildly about the overhead rafters terrorizing furtherance just prior to exiting The Haunted Town Hall!

ANALYSIS:  Haunted Town Hall is known for staffing its attraction with talkative characters that interact with patrons via meaningful dialogue, and this year is no exception.  Nearly everyone has something worthwhile to say, which flavors the overall experience., and many assert their intentions with a variety of deadly weapons.  Chainsaw aggressors, doctor, and cook gave best performances of the night.

The attraction boasts a clever design that's also one of its strong points.  Events unfold sensibly and are appreciated for incorporating traditionally "haunted" concepts such as the "secret passage" into the course.  Hillbilly hideaway attack zones and bottomless pit being "shoved" toward the drop-off are unique attributes as well.  Tilted maze isn’t seen elsewhere and remains an OVH favorite since we first discovered it during their third season of operation, some 17 years ago!  Whispers enhance intimidation, especially since their source remains unseen!  Claustrophobic tunnel is back for 2021!  Finish could use some ramping-up, perhaps in the form of a brief entrapment to protect the descent down the stairs to the exit.

Now celebrating their 20th anniversary season, Haunted Town Hall is a real TREAT to experience.  They can always be counted on to deliver memorable, inventive scares that you just don't see at other haunted attractions, all complimented by above average acting.  Cost of admission remains affordable in a time when everything seems to be costing more and more, and you certainly get your money’s worth!  By all means schedule a visit to Lafayette, Ohio this Halloween season and enjoy some uniquely festive scares at Mayor Joseph's Haunted Town Hall!  And while you're there, try your luck at The Speakeasy Escape Room for just $5 more when purchased as part of their combo package!