October fundraiser planned for Sorg Opera House

MIDDLETOWN —

The group behind the effort to rebirth the Sorg Opera House hope people will have a scary good time at the second annual Halloween street party fundraiser.

The Sorg Opera Revitalization Group is planning a day of activities on Oct. 25 with the street party themed as “Spirits of Sorg” that will feature a walking dead, zombie scavenger hunt through downtown before South Main Street in front of the Sorg is shut down for a party.

“It’s not only a way to focus on the Sorg, but to focus on the downtown,” said Denise Brodsky, one of the founding partners of SORG. “We thought(the scavenger hunt) would be a great way to have people walk in and participating in a fun event to benefit the sort.”

The scavenger hunt will have participants, and it’s not required to dress as the walking dead or a zombie, will pick up items at local downtown businesses before returning to the Sorg.

During the day-long event — which details such as hours and ticket prices are still being developed — there will be live entertainment, costume contests and food and adult beverages for sale provided by the Canal House.

Hoxworth Blood Center will also conduct a blood drive from 1 to 3 p.m.

Only a few thousand dollars was raised at the inaugural street party, Brodsky said, “but we raised a lot of friends last year.” She said the goal for this year is to raise upwards of $10,000.

Last year about 200 people attended the event that was relatively unknown. She hopes more will come this year.

“We want people from within Middletown and outside of Middletown to get on their radar screens. it is time to make something happen,” Brodsky said.