Nightmare Circus Readies for Big Scares in Mahopac

MAHOPAC, N.Y. - It started as a 5-by-10-foot tent on the Cappelletti family’s front lawn and has now blossomed into a full-blown haunted house in a cabin in the woods in Sycamore Park.

Dominic Cappelletti and his family, who live on Sycamore Drive on Mahopac Point came up with the idea to create a haunted house for Halloween seven years ago.

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“I don’t remember the conversation that sparked the idea. Sometimes it feels like it just showed up,” Cappelletti said with a laugh. “It doesn’t feel like something we planned.”

What they planned was “Nightmare Circus,” a clown-based horror show of a haunted house. And they built it on their lawn.

“We have been looking to move it someplace bigger for a while, “Cappelletti said. “And the [collaboration with the Recreation and Parks Department] has been perfect. We are doing it in one of the old cabins at the park. It is terrifying at night and it’s old and creepy and the perfect place to take the next step.”

Cappelletti said he’s an October baby and always had an interest in all things Halloween and horror-related, even though it scared the hell out of him as a kid.

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“I grew up watching all the classic horror movies—the Universal monsters,” he said. “I was terrified by all that stuff, but it sparked an interest.”

Town Rec Director Nina Kallmeyer said she was thrilled to partner with Nightmare Circus.

“We partnered with them last year at Harvest Fest for a smaller version to see if it was a good idea and it was great,” she said. “There is nothing like this around here. It has really blossomed into something amazing.”

Kallmeyer said she hopes to turn it into a community event replete with a food truck and vendors.

“We are getting the schools involved and are doing a casting call with them,” she said, noting that volunteers on many aspects of the production can garner community service points. “Those theater department kids, you really want to get them involved. And maybe those who just love Halloween. We want to get adults involved too.

“This is the pilot year,” she added. “Every year we hope to add on to this.”

Cappelletti agreed.

“We have the whole park we can utilize,” he said. “We could do a haunted trail. We want to see how it performs and get the word out.”

The Circus will even feature a Children’s Day where the lights will remain on and there will be no “Jump-out scares.”

Nightmare Circus will come to Sycamore Park, 790 Crane Road in Mahopac, on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20, 7-10 p.m., and again on Sunday, Oct. 27, 6-9 p.m. Tickets purchased online are $15 plus tax or $18 plus tax onsite if they are available.

Children’s Day will be Sunday, Oct. 20, 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 plus tax online and $12 plus tax onsite if available.

Cappelletti said he is optimistic about the success of the show.

“We have been selling tickets steadily,” he said.

To purchase tickets, go to nightmarecircus.com ... if you dare.

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