The Temple Chamber of Commerce congratulates Silo of Screams, owned by John Guthrie, on being named the #1 Fan-Voted Haunted Attraction in Texas in ScurryFace.com’s 2025 Top Fan-Voted Haunts competition!

This statewide recognition, earned through thousands of fan votes, celebrates the creativity, production, and passion that have made Silo of Screams one of Central Texas’ most popular seasonal attractions.

“To be fan-voted #1 in Texas feels amazing and is a tribute to all the hard work that our staff and actors put in each year,” said owner John Guthrie.

“We started in 2017 when the Temple Chamber and then-President Rod Henry joined us for photos and our ribbon cutting. What began as a fun way to provide the community with something unique became a creative continuation of my entrepreneurial journey.”

Now celebrating nine thrilling seasons, Silo of Screams wrapped up its 2025 Halloween season on Saturday, November 1, and will reopen in mid-December with a family-friendly, no-scare Christmas walking trail—promising “no scares, just smiles.”
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Guthrie credits his wife Amanda, mentor David Neman, and countless volunteers for their dedication and support. “It truly does take a village,” he shared.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce hosted the 41st Annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service on October 28, 2025, at the Mayborn Convention Center, presented by H-E-B Operation Appreciation and American Legion Post 133.

For more than four decades, this Temple Chamber tradition has united business and community leaders to honor the men and women whose courage, commitment, and service protect our freedoms and strengthen our community.

“This luncheon brings our community together, not just to share a meal, but to pause for a moment of gratitude—to look around the room and realize that we’re surrounded by people who run toward challenge, not away from it,” said Temple Chamber Board Chair Ken Reeves in his opening remarks.

The program featured keynote speaker Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret.), a decorated Marine, actor, author, and one of Hollywood’s most respected military consultants. Dye inspired attendees with stories of resilience and leadership drawn from more than 20 years of service and a career shaping the authenticity of films such as Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers.

While active-duty soldiers from Fort Hood were unable to attend due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Chamber President & CEO Whitney Theriot announced that the Chamber would deliver barbecue meals as a gesture of continued support. “Even when things pause at the federal level, gratitude in Temple does not,” she said.

The luncheon also included a special presentation of the Leadership Excellence Scholarship, established in partnership with American Legion Post 133 to recognize exceptional JROTC cadets who demonstrate outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to service.

The first-ever recipients were Cadet Kenneth O’Bar of Temple High School and Cadet Dylan Domanowski of Belton High School. “Their dedication, discipline, and drive to serve remind us that leadership begins long before a title—it begins with character,” said Camryn Bintz, who presented the scholarship announcement with American Legion Post 133 Commander John Potts.

In closing, Theriot thanked the presenting sponsors and community partners whose continued support made the event possible. “No matter the circumstances, Temple shows up,” she said. “We come together, lift each other up, and carry forward the legacy of those who have served before us.”

For photos and highlights from the 41st Annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service, visit templechamber.com/mfrs2025.