Scared for a good cause

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) - Every year, the old jail in Downtown Georgetown gets a little spookier. Williamson County sets up a haunted house in the more-than-century old jail at Fourth and Main streets.

The structure is creepy enough on its own. It’s been vacant since the early 1990s, but volunteers transform it with music, strobe and black lights and lots of scary creatures.

"They come into the jail in a dark stairwell and they go up four platforms of stairs right off the bat,” said Sgt. Gary Haston with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office . "When they enter a cell block on the third floor, it's almost 'game on.'"

In its fourth year, the twists and turns of the haunted house cover all three floors of the old jail. More than 100 volunteers dress up just to scare the wits out of the wary visitors.

Photos give a sneak peak of the haunted house.

Walk along the narrow halls with peeling paint and even visit the cell where Henry Lee Lucas, a notorious serial killer, was housed .

There are reports that the jail is really haunted.

“I think if you believe in paranormal activity you'll find that it's quite interesting," said Haston. "Sometimes you hear your name called and no one else is here with you."

The tour will cost a nominal fee, but it goes to a good cause. Proceeds from "Nightmare on Jail Hill" benefit the Williamson County Brown Santa program .

Brown Santa provides holiday gifts and meals to those in need in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County.

"Everything is about the kids with Brown Santa,” said Lt. Patrick Erickson, WCSO. “Everything is just making kids smile."

Admission prices

The haunted house is open from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The admission price is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 9 to 12 years old. Children age 8 and younger aren’t allowed. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

The haunted house is not handicapped accessible and will require climbing stairs and walking for approximately 20 minutes. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and popcorn will be available for sale. T-shirts will be sold for $10.

Last year, the event raised $17,000.