PELHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Halloween is just weeks away. The holiday pumps millions of dollars into Alabama’s economy. From haunted attractions to costume sales, people spend a lot of money to enjoy the holiday.
CBS 42 saw hundreds of people Friday night lining up outside of Birmingham-area haunted attractions. They're actually paying to get scared, but this is just a part of the total impact Halloween has on Central Alabama’s economy.
“15 years ago it was a million dollar impact for the city of Leeds, now it’s more like 2.5 for Jefferson County and the City of Leeds,” remarked Paul Johnson.
Johnson runs Atrox Factory, known as one of the best haunted houses in the nation. People travel from all over and pay good money to be to go through this haunted attraction.
When people come by one of these attractions they often stop for food, gas and other places around town.
“Usually, we stop by Sonic and grab a little snack or something,” said Jonathon Johnson, who was going through the attraction with a church youth group.
Another haunted attraction, Warehouse 31, draws people from around the country.
“About 95 percent of those people are from outside the city limits of Pelham,” said Warehouse 31 owner Jason Sills. “Some are staying in hotels. Some stop for gas and may stop for dinner before they come or after they leave”
Attractions like Warehouse 31 are open throughout the rest of October. Some of these attractions can be found here.