Homemade Haunted Maze Gains Temporary Win after Threat of Shutdown

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John Mitsis can legally operate his family’s haunted maze for two nights this year, after winning an injunction from a judge

WEST YARMOUTH – Homeowner John Mitsis and family received quite a spook five days before Halloween this year, but not from ghouls like those they have in their yard.

The Mitsis’ have operated a haunted maze attraction on their property for 11 years, inspired by their son’s Halloween birthday.

The attraction at 43 Lake Road uses small, structure-like objects that Yarmouth Fire Captain Inspector James Armstrong considered safety concerns.

Upon receiving a cease-and-desist order Monday, Mitsis decided to pursue an emergency injunction against that decision; a move which proved successful after a Barnstable Superior Court judge ruled in his favor today.

“He felt I was being compliant enough that I could continue the event for two nights,” Mitsis said.

The decision acts as a form of restraining order against town officials, allowing the family to operate tonight and on Halloween night.

Mitsis said he was shocked to see the cease-and-desist order prescribed to an attraction that has such a large local presence.

“After 11 years of doing it, it kind of blew my mind that half of their staff comes through this with their families every year,” he said.

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Safety for Mitsis has always been a priority: he said emergency exits, lights and fire extinguishers are always accounted for, and he’s never had any incidents.

Another home-grown Halloween-themed event in town was shut down because of safety concerns earlier this week.

As for next year, Mitsis said he has to explore his legal options if the maze is to continue. He said he may have to bring the attraction to a different property.

“There’s no animosity against the town, they’re doing their job and I understand where they’re coming from,” he said. “But they could’ve been more reasonable in discussing ways to help me instead of work against me.”