Think horror movie, and for many, the first image that comes to mind is of a knife, a shower and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” Norman Bates. It was also the first thing that came to mind when organizers sat down to plan Friday’s Terror at the Turnage II — The Hitchcock Hour.

“Basically, the theme overall is ‘Psycho,’ but we’re incorporating other Hitchcock movies, as well,” said Virginia Finnerty, one of the event’s organizers, along with Rebecca Clark and Jeffery Phipps. “We just kind of play off each other, it’s almost like trying to outdo each other. One comes up with an idea and another elaborates on it and we just keep going.”

It’s a different type of artist that can keep the ideas flowing and bring the kind of creativity needed to keep fundraisers fresh, fun and interesting, according to Joey Toler, executive director of Arts of the Pamlico.

“It is a fundraiser; all funds will benefit Arts of the Pamlico and the Turnage Theatre — that is the purpose. But it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Toler said.

In its second year, the fright fest will offer Halloween party-lovers food, beverages, five separate photo ops, drawings, dancing and cash prizes for best overall costume and best costumes, female and male categories. Held at the Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington — which some already consider a spooky, and haunted, venue — Hitchcock’s classic horror movie will be playing on the theatre’s screen as backdrop.

Finnerty said costumes are not required, though a $100 prize will go to the best overall costume winner; $50 each to best male and best female costumes.

“They’re highly encouraged to wear a costume, but it’s not mandatory — you can just come in and go people watching,” Finnerty said.

Despite all the fun and fright, Terror at the Turnage represents a coming together of the community to support the 43-year-old arts advocacy nonprofit: from Lowes Home Improvement loaning the shower stall for a “Pyscho” photo op, Halloween Express in Greenville donating decorations, the DJs donating their services, to the many ticket holders who will get creative with their costumes, according to Finnerty.

“It’s all a group effort,” she said.

Terror at the Turnage II — The Hitchcock Hour will be held from 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. at the Turnage Theatre, 150 W. Main St., Washington. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the Turnage box office or by phone at 252-946-2504. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.