RATHDRUM - Ed and Ruth Maryott love scaring folks so much during the Halloween season that the senior couple began plotting around the Fourth of July.

"We'll keep going strong until one of us can't do it," said Ruth, 67. "We take great joy in this. We love it when the visitors do the 'rattlesnake dance' (reacting to one of the features)."

The Maryotts will open their Tunnel of Terror in Rathdrum tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. for the 12th season.

"With a new addition built on this year, we have filled more than 650 feet with new and bigger scares," Ruth said.

The hay bale tunnel built by Ruth and Ed, 75, is at 7980 W. Diagonal Road just north of Rathdrum.

"Ed and I build the tunnel for our community to enjoy," Ruth said.

For those who believe the couple pulls punches when it comes to scaring visitors, Ruth said to think again.

"Some may think that we're just a mom-and-pop backyard operation, but we are full-fledged on the scare factor," Ruth said.

She said the couple have also shaken things up, so repeat visitors won't be able predict what's coming at them next.

"We've completely rebuilt everything and have new themes," Ruth said. "We've made it a lot better than it has ever been."

Ruth said one scene will make you do the "rattlesnake dance."

"Something under your feet will make you do it," she said, declining to elaborate further.

Jack the Ripper and an Egyptian tomb will be among several other features.

Friends, relatives and drama students serve as spooks and volunteers for the Maryotts at the tunnel on the couple's property. Ruth said the spooks back off the younger kids a bit, but teens and adults are fair game.

All proceeds go toward expenses and improving the following year's experience.

"We're trying to get to where it's self-sufficient," Ruth said. "We're on Social Security, so we can't buy everything at once. If the tunnel pays for itself, then we can keep doing it."

When visitors emerge from the tunnel and regain their senses, they're offered free kettle corn.

"It's a just a treat for coming out," she said.

The tunnel will be open during the next three weekends on Fridays and Saturdays. It also will be open on Halloween. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m.

Cost for ages 12 and older is $5, 6 to 11 are $3 and ages 5 and younger are free. Concessions will be available.

• Tunnel of Terror details

The Tunnel of Terror at 7980 W. Diagonal Road just north of Rathdrum is open starting tonight for the next three weekends on Friday and Saturday and on Halloween. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Cost for ages 12 and older is $5, 6 to 11 is $3 and ages 5 and younger are free.