By Emma Jade, Local News 8 Reporter

EASTERN IDAHO - It's the scariest time of the year! Halloween is just around the corner and spook houses are popping up across the eastern Idaho community. But will your tight wallet be the real fear factor this season?

Scare you out of your wits - it's the goal of haunted houses across our communities.

"We've had groups come in saying it's the scariest thing they've ever been through," said co-creator of The Theatre of Lost Souls in Shelley, Andrew Christensen.

It's a chance to let go and really be scared! But when times are tough and money tight, can folks afford the screams?

"Even if you don't have money, sometimes you know, you'll be able to skimp together like 8 bucks to run out and do something and you're always happy after you do it," said co-creator of The Theatre of Lost Souls in Shelley, Desi Richards.

Owner of the Haunted Mill in Teton, Dennis Briggs, agrees, "I think people need kind of a place to get some stress relief from the economy problems."

The haunted theatre in Shelley said the failing economy is on the back-burner this Halloween.

"It doesn't really matter, people still need to get out and do stuff," said Richards.

Owner of the Haunted Mill in Teton feels the same way. These haunted houses are the perfect way to forget your daily fears.

"They need some stress relief in their life and this will provide that stress relief for them, give them a little bit of fun," said Briggs. "Hopefully it will give them some ideas of 'hey, maybe I could start a business like this.'"

While these local haunted houses aren't really a necessity this Halloween season, owners said we've got to get into the spirit.

"It's Halloween, it's the spirit of Halloween, I think it's just fun," said Christensen.  

"We'll either give you some stress relief or add to it!" said Briggs.  

So even when the economy is as terrifying as it is, folks agree that sometimes you just need to get out and get scared.

Both the Haunted Mill in Teton and The Theatre of Lost Souls in Shelley said they expect to do better in numbers this year. They've both added new features to their haunted houses and have already seen crowds of thrill-seekers.

Some Local Haunted Houses:

The Haunted Mill: 2400 East, Teton ID 83451, www.thehauntedmillinteton.com

The Theatre of Lost Souls: Virginia Theatre,s 186 S. State, Shelley

Dr. Slaughter's House Of Terror: 895 West Broadway, Idaho Falls

The Haunted Forest: 8388 Buckskin Drive, Pocatello