Every Halloween, Lakewood transforms into something straight out of a horror film. Fog rolls through the air, and bright lights flicker and flash. For more than a decade, Wes Carney and his family have hosted Nightmare on Merl Avenue, a haunted pathway that has become a beloved Halloween tradition in Lakewood and surrounding communities.
Founded by Carney and his family, Nightmare on Merl Avenue has been up and running for 12 years. The event connects the community and has become a staple of local Halloween celebrations. Planning the event takes months of creativity and hands-on work. Carney puts in the extra effort to ensure that visitors can enjoy every part of the experience, no matter how big or small.
“I’ve been to many professional haunted houses over the years, so I’ve gotten a lot of ideas from that,” Carney said.
His background in theater helps him understand how to use the lighting, sound and staging to create an environment that strikes the perfect balance of humor and fright. Each year, he puts his own creative spin on classic scares, ensuring the experience feels fresh while staying true to its roots.
The layout of the event makes it feel much larger than it appears from the outside. Each section and room features a distinct theme. Visitors first approaching the front of the house are greeted with colorful lights and the excitement of not knowing what they will see or how frightened they will be.
The results of Carney’s hard work are evident in the reactions and feedback from the community. “We get a couple hundred people every year,” he said.
Xavier Stiles, an attendee, said, “I think it was pretty cool, like a free haunted house, and a decent one too.”
Another guest, Sawyer Brent, thought it was a good experience too. “My favorite part was the chainsaw dude at the end … that was pretty spooky,” Brent said.
What makes Nightmare on Merl Avenue truly special is the sense of community it fosters. While some Halloween attractions focus purely on the fright factor, Carney emphasizes that it’s all about bringing people together for a shared experience.
It’s about “sharing it with the community,” he said. “I love scaring people … I think seeing the reactions and how much people love this is my favorite part.”
The legacy of Nightmare on Merl Avenue continues to grow. It’s not just a haunted house — it’s a tradition built from creativity, community and a love for the spooky season. Every year, kids, teens and adults all visit the same house to have fun and get scared.
For Carney, the work is all worth it when he sees the faces of visitors. “Seeing the reactions and how much people love this,” he said, makes it all worthwhile.
And it’s clear from the turnout year after year that Lakewood loves Nightmare on Merl Avenue just as much. Whether it’s the chilling fog, the flickering lights or the sound of laughter echoing through the night, Nightmare on Merl Avenue captures what Halloween is all about: a mix of fear, fun and community spirit that keeps people coming back for more every year on Oct. 31.
