Fright Fest Extreme delays, lack of communication from park irk haunt fans

By Tara Adams

Haunt Hunters App

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Nearly three weeks after its planned launch, three of the nine haunted mazes advertised at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest Extreme remain on hold, including a maze based on the show, “Stranger Things.” 

LIsa M. Ryan, of the Office of Communications for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees park inspections, said six of the mazes have passed inspections and are operating. 

“Review and approvals for the remaining three attractions are currently in process,” Ryan said. 

Fright Fest Extreme was initially set to open at Great Adventure on Sept. 13. But with only two mazes ready to go, Six Flags announced that the event would operate as a “preview weekend.” 

The park's Facebook page stated two mazes would be open during the preview - Big Top Terror and The Witches Reflections - as well scare zones, rides, and shows.

The preview continued the following weekend. 

Six Flags did not give a reason for the delays, only stating it was a result of “unforseen circumstances.” 

Park officials also did not respond to Haunt Hunters App when asked about the reason for the delays or when the full event would open.

The stalled opening and lack of communication from park officials about the reason for the delays irked haunt fans and people who already bought tickets, many of whom took to social media to blast the park. 

“At this point, you guys should consider being transparent,” one person wrote under a Great Adventure social media post. “Weekend 3 of this, and you try to keep glazing over it like nothing is happening. The event is more than (one-third) over after this weekend.”

Another commenter wrote, “Lmfao. Just close the event. Almost out of time at this point.” 

“Ridiculous! I bought an annual pass to keep getting preview weekends?” said another commenter. 

Several ticket holders wrote they would be asking for refunds.

“What is going on? I will be requesting a refund for my membership I paid for for the added bonus of getting Fright Fest with the membership,” one ticket holder wrote.

“So I bought the ticket to Fright Fest Extreme Saturday. Is it gonna be a preview and I'll get my money back, or is it actually gonna happen?” another ticket holder asked.

Three weeks after the initial start date, Six Flags announced that entry to Fright Fest Extreme would now be included with general admission tickets, but a “maze pass” would be needed for access to the park's newest haunts, according to a social media post made by the park.

Fright Fest Extreme also includes five scare zones, four shows, and rides.

The haunted mazes that are now open are:

The Conjuring Universe

SAW 20th Anniversary 

Army of the Dead

The Asylum

The Witches Reflections 

Big Top Terror

Stranger Things, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Trick ‘r Treat have not yet opened. The park's website lists these mazes as “coming soon.” 

Ryan said that the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Amusement Ride Safety Unit is working in cooperation with DCA’s Southern Regional Office to coordinate the inspections of these Six Flags attractions.

Inspections of the park’s haunted attractions involve plan review and issuing permits as buildings within a specified use group and as amusement attractions. Both categories involve different inspection requirements, Ryan explained.

Buildings with a specified use group include inspection approvals for relevant building, electrical, and fire codes. Amusement attractions require a separate engineering plan review and permit issuance, Ryan said. 

The amount of time it takes to inspect each attraction varies, Ryan said. The goal is to ensure attractions are as safe as possible for the general public. 

“These inspections entail scheduling and coordination with the multiple parties involved in creating the amusement attraction. These parties include fire alarm contractors, fire sprinkler contractors, building and electrical contractors and, of course, the contractors and designers of the buildings and the ride/attractions,” Ryan said. “As stated previously, the inspections cover the completed building, electrical, and fire components, as well as review, approval, and independent inspection of the amusement ride design and installation. These reviews vary in time based on things such as building square footage, layout complexity, third party vendor/installer completion, and certifications, etc.”

A Menacing Fate: Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt Scares Guests

By Tara Adams

Haunt Hunters App

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Shrieks and screams cut through the hazy glow of burning steel stacks, as the sounds converged from both the evening sky and walkways at Dorney Park and WildWater Kingdom’s Steel Yard.

The screams from above came from the park's new Iron Menace, a 160-foot dive coaster that suspends riders for 3 seconds face down at the top of the hill, before plunging them at a 95-degree angle into an inversion. 

“That is sick,” one park guest shouted in awe, as he watched the drop.

Roaming ghouls caused the screams on the ground, as they scared park guests who ventured into the Steel Yard: Forge Your Fear scare zone, part of Dorney’s 2024 Halloween Haunt. 

The park transformed the Steel Yard area into the scare zone, which is themed to the backstory of the Iron Menace coaster and haunted maze, The Ghost in the Machine, also a part of Halloween Haunt.

“After nearly a century of being boarded up, the gates to the infamous McTavish Steel Yard have finally swung open, granting brave souls passage through the remnants of what some believe to be an ‘evil place filled with torment and agony.’ Will the spirits allow visitors to pass unscathed?,” asked a written statement from the park.

Based on the reaction of visitors, not all passed unscathed, as some jumped, screamed, and ran away from the wandering Steel Yard spirits.

Entrance to the Steel Yard

Steel Yard: Forge Your Fear Scare Zone

The spooky Steel Yard activities are two of the 13 attractions featured at Halloween Haunt - seven haunted mazes and six scare zones. 

Demented clowns, ghostly villagers, werewolves, and ghoulish scallywag pirates were among the monsters wandering scare zones elsewhere in the park.

“This is Mary,” said a villager in The Hollow scare zone, while holding up a bloody head. 

The villager, wearing a blood-stained 18th Century-style dress, explained, “Mary was a good friend of ours, and then she studied a little bit of witchcraft when she wasn't supposed to. They caught her a while ago, and after they burned her, some of her was left. And they fed her to the wolves.” 

On cue, two werewolves began stalking guests, one of them gnawing on the remains of who might have been Mary. 

Halloween Haunt kicks off each evening with its monsters marching through the park to their respective scare zones and haunted mazes. 

Crowds are also greeted to an opening ceremony led by Hecate, known as the “ruler of Haunt.” 

After an unfortunate man named Derek meets his demise at the hands of Hecate, the dark goddess tells the crowd she'll be performing rituals throughout the park with pieces of his body to “preserve the spirit of Halloween Haunt.”

Hecate also commands her monsters to “get to work” frightening park visitors for the evening.

“Now, to my beautiful, grotesque creatures, it's time for us to awaken from our slumber,” Hecate shouted. “It's time for us to feast on the fear of our willing guests. It's time for Halloween Haunt to begin!”

Halloween Haunt runs on weekends through Oct. 27th. 

           2024 Halloween Haunt Lineup

Haunted Mazes:

• The Ghost in the Machine
• Tourist Trap
• Blood on the Bayou
• Trick or Treat
• Blackout
• Necropolis 
• Roadside Stop N’ Chop

Scare Zones:

• Steel Yard: Forge Your Fear
• Carnival
• Port of Call
• Midway Misfits
• The Hollow
• Dystopia 

Halloween Takes over Philly

 

Philadelphia, PA - Halloween takes over Philly as the first ever East Coast Haunters Convention presented by Transworld come to Oaks, PA from April 26-28, 2024. Haunted Attractions from across the east coast will be previewing their haunted houses for the upcoming Halloween season. It also provides vendors with the opportunity to showcase their new products that give haunted attractions the tools needed to scare at a high level during Halloween.

"We wanted to allow those who might not be able to attend the show in St Louis the opportunity have a similar experience" says Transworld owner Jen Thaler

The Transworld Halloween show in St. Louis has become the world's largest expo and has become so popular that it has added a Christmas show that runs with the haunts.

"We have something for everyone who loves Halloween and we welcome all haunt enthusiast" says Thaler.

The star studded lineup includes some of the best haunted attractions from the east coast. Pennsylvania alone was rated the top state for haunted attractions for 2023 with nationally recognized hauntes such as Reaper's Revenge in Scranton, PA, Field of Screams in Mountville, PA and Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA to name a few.

The Woods of Terror from South Carolina will be in attendance. This Haunted Attraction was the 2023 National Championship in the League of Haunts presented by the Haunt Hunters App. Look for the one they call Bone Daddy.

Pure Terror Scream park in Monroe, NY broke the Guinness book of world records with the longest haunted attraction. Pure Terror will be on hand with the largest Halloween props that will provide for one of a kind photo opportunities. "We always go bigger and better every season" says Pure Terror general manager Montgomery Henry. Pure Terror is know in the industry for not sparing any expense to bring the best animatronics to Monroe, New York. "The Haunting never stops, we work on the attractions everyday of the year" added Henry

Waldorf Estate of Fear in Lehighton, PA  has been featured in the movie series Hell House, LLC and offers many off season experiences.

Halls of Horror in Palmerton, PA offers a unique blood experience that is not for the faint of heart.

Halloween in April, for any haunt fan, this event is heaven,

Event Updates on you smartphone: www.HauntHuntersApp.com

Maryland Haunts Open Doors in April

Oaks, PA -- Some Maryland Haunted Attractions will be opening their doors for special haunt tours as part of the first ever East Coast Haunters Convention that will take place from April 25-28 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center presented by Transworld. The haunt pre show tours for Thursday, April 25th will begin at 11am with registration at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 500 Cresson Blvd, Phoenixville, PA. For haunt fans across the east coast, this provides a halfway to Halloween experience. Three Maryland Haunted Attractions will be part of the Haunt Tour. Legends of the Fog, Aberdeen, Maryland Laurel's House of Horror, Laurel, Maryland Markoff's Haunted Forest, Dickerson, Maryland

Dave Harding, owner of Markoff's Forest has been preparing Markoff's Haunted Forest for those who will be on the tour. "We are looking forward to having the East Coast Haunters Convention out to Markoff's Haunted Forest, says Harding,

"We will doing a full show with actors, animatronica and all the special effects" added Harding. For those not familiar with the industry, performing a full show with actors is a massive undertaking, and to do this in the month of April is not common to say the least.

"While we are trying to give the haunt tour participants the best show possible, one thing we can't replace in April is the energy that comes from over 1,000 excited guests hanging out in our midway as they prepare to enter the forest. "

"There is nothing quite like a busy Saturday night in October, with people cheering on someone attempting the Death Roll high ropes challenge, sitting around bonfires listening to the DJ, or the smell of all the amazing foods coming from Cotton Candy, Damned Donuts, Freaking Hot Drinks, or our farm fresh concession stand."

The stage has been set for those who cannot get enough of the Halloween season.

More Information : www.eastcoasthauntersconvention.com

 

Sir Henry's Haunted Valentines

Plant City, Florida -- Sir Henry's Haunted Trail will be open for their annual Valentines Event called Love's Revenge. This features two haunted trails, escape games, laser tag, and more. Always a Great Experince at Sir Henry's Haunted Trail. Two dates only February 9-10 from 6:30 - 11:00.

Tapp the App Haunthuntersapp on your Smartphone to bring all of the Best Haunted Houses 2024 for Valentines Day.

New Fear Unleashed at Field of Screams

• Massive Fear Factory scene brings the screams

• All four attractions updated for 2023

• Expanded entertainment area includes a bar and axe throwing

Photo: Field of Screams 

MOUNTVILLE, Pa. – A dilapidated factory just past a bend in the wooded trail bears the name Pickering Garment Co., established 1927. Guests on the hayride are pulled under the deteriorating facade into the dimly-lit structure, and the scares begin almost immediately. 

A girl can be seen with her head in a guillotine, crying for help, as bodies hanging from an overhead conveyor rotate above the guests.

“Do you want to see her die? Let me hear you if you want to see her die!” a voice yells to the wagon full of haunt fans, which responds resoundingly with loud cheers and “Yes!”

The executioner drops the blade, her head rolls, and the ill-intent of the maniacs running the factory is turned to guests in the wagon.

The elaborate scene and massive set, known as Fear Factory, is new to the Haunted Hayride portion of Field of Screams’ for the 2023 season. It is one of several significant changes to the Mountville, Pa., haunt, which is consistently known as one of the best in the country.

                             Fear Factory, new Haunted Hayride scene

Field of Screams began its 2023 season Friday, Sept. 8. It features four attractions - Haunted Hayride, Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum, and Nocturnal Wasteland, all of which received new additions. 

Jim Schopf, who owns Field of Screams with his brother, Gene Schopf, said ideas for upgrades and new ways to bring spooky entertainment to guests are constantly in motion.

“The gears are always turning,” said Schopf, who also said staff already has a list of ideas for future seasons.

According to Field of Screams, additions for 2023 include:

• Gory Garage in Den of Darkness, “where only the lucky ones will escape the clutches of Leroy the Mechanic. Watch in horror as he puts his tools to use on those less fortunate.”

• An entirely new basement in Frightmare Asylum, where visitors “are forced to walk through the inhumane treatment rooms” and through the recreational wing “where the inmates are just dying to have visitors in their presence.” 

• New twists and turns to Nocturnal Wasteland, where visitors will “encounter creatures and characters found only in your worst nightmares.” 

• Axe throwing lanes

• The Chainsaw Bar, which includes a custom-themed Field of Screams drink.

• An expanded immersive light, video, sound, and 3D mapping show in the entertainment area.

                     Light show at Field of Screams 

Field of Screams also features three 5-minute escape rooms: Captured, Lockdown, and The Heist; carnival-style games, a Scream Shop for merchandise, several food and drink vendors, live music and roaming actors who terrify guests as they walk around the midway. 

Jim Schopf said the haunted attraction will have about 200 actors for the 2023 season, which has increased since the Covid pandemic. 

The high number of actors keeps the scares fresh and guests wondering which one will terrify them next. The haunted attraction has scared over one million people since it opened in 1993, according to a press release.

Field of Screams' fall season runs through November 3, ending with Extreme Blackout, a darker and more intense experience that isn't part of the haunt's regular season.

Tickets can be bought by visiting Field of Scream's website.

            A scene from Frightmare Asylum

Hurricane Idalia and Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights Orlando and Hurricane Preparation 

Hurricane Idalia is expected to reach Florida Wednesday morning 

Universal Orlando Resort has begun taking precautionary measures to safeguard Halloween Horror Nights from Hurricane Idalia, as the storm moves closer to Florida, according to reports from park guests. 

The iconic Halloween Horror Nights sign, which hangs above the main entrance to Universal Studios during the event's duration, has been removed, park guests reported. 

2022 Halloween Horror Nights sign 

While the area near the haunts in the back of the park have occasionally flooded during storms in prior years, cleanup is immediate, leaving no trace of storm damage. 

Halloween Horror Nights begins Friday, Sept. 30, 2023 and runs through Nov. 4, 2023. 

Orlando is under a State of Emergency, and weather officials said the hurricane could be a Category 3 by the time it reaches Florida's Gulf Coast Wednesday morning. Officials have said the Orlando area is not expected to bear the brunt of the storm, as of this time.

Universal Orlando Resort issued a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., saying that the park is expected to open and operate as scheduled Wednesday, Aug. 30, beginning at 9 a.m. Early Park Admission, however, has been canceled for Wednesday. 

As of now, Halloween Horror Nights' Team Member Preview remains scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. 

The Haxans: Fall-Flavored Rock and Roll

Count D. talks about the new Haxans record and tells us what scares him

Photo courtesy of Count D.

If Halloween music had a scent, your nose would lead you straight to The Haxans.

"It’s pumpkin-spiced rock music. It’s like autumnal music for autumnal people," said Count D., founder of the spooky Goth-pop band. "Especially the new record. If I could have scented the MP3s that will fly through the air, I would have."

Count D., also known as Piggy D., bassist of nearly two decades with Rob Zombie, is joined in The Haxans by Ashley Costello of the rock band, New Years Day. 

The Haxans released its debut album, "Party Monsters," in October 2017. The second album, "The Dead and Restless," is set to drop this fall. 

While "Party Monsters" features fun Halloween party songs and a few covers, Count D. said the new album, mostly written at the same time as the first, is a bit more mature with a bit more wisdom. It also includes more personal songs and no covers.

"This record is less conjuring, less plastic pumpkins, and more clove cigarettes kinda fall," he said.

The union between spooky season and The Haxans led to a residency in 2021 at the popular California haunted attraction, Knott's Scary Farm, in which the band played 50 original and cover songs a night, three to four nights a week.

Prior to the residency, the band had only played one live show, Count D. said.

"You could smell the funnel cake in the air as we played," he said. "It was a unique challenge for a band who had only played one show to dive into that."

The Haxans also filmed a video during the residency for its cover of David Bowie's "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)."

The Haxans "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)" video recorded at Knott's Scary Farm 

"To be able to really roll around in that vibe, musically and environmentally, was a treat," he said. "There is something about playing music like that, in that weather, in that world that’s really magical. I’ve made Halloween playlists and mix tapes for years. We literally played every song I ever used on those. So fun."

Photo: Haunt Hunters App 

Count D. said he considers The Haxans to be an art project that serves as a mood board for the ghoulish interests he's had since his childhood. His love of "Scooby-Doo" led to a love of monsters, and the movie, "Frankenstein," left an impression on him when he was young.

"By the time I was 14 and interested in playing music, it just took one Alice Cooper concert, and I was on my way to doing what I’m still doing today," Count D. said.

The elements of danger and adrenaline present in both rock music and the horror genre is an attractive combination for those entertained by the dark and macabre. It's a pairing that Count D. says will be around for many years to come. 

“Even though you didn’t always get rock and horror together, they gave a lot of us the same adrenaline rush, or a similar excitement,” he said. “Once the two began to decorate like each other, we officially had put our chocolate into the peanut butter. Now we have a world full of horror-themed bands that aren’t going away anytime soon.” 

This story is featured in the book, Halloween Haunts, by Chuck Mound with Tara Adams, which will be released in Fall 2023. 

Scares, Not Sap at Lincoln Mill's Valentine's Day Haunt

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Looking for sappy love festivities to celebrate Valentine's Day? You might want to skip this Philadelphia attraction. 

Lincoln Mill Haunted House, in the city's Manayunk neighborhood, plans to spread fear rather than affection among sweethearts with Viktor's Valentine, A 'Dark' Love Story. 

"We were looking at doing something different," Jared Bilsak, the haunt's co-founder, said. "We thought a story about cunning and evil was interesting, not one of love and forever." 

The haunt's twisted Valentine's event, open Feb. 11th, 2023, deepens the legend of Viktor Kane, who owned Lincoln Mill during the Great Depression. Bilsak described Viktor as a sinister villain.

With the help of accomplices, Viktor tortured, experimented on, and, ultimately, killed employees of the former textile mill. 

As the Valentine legend goes, one of the accomplices loved Viktor but also began to resent him. So, she developed a sinister plan of her own to take place on Valentine's Day in 1939.

Luring Viktor to a hidden chamber inside the mill with a trail of hearts, the woman stabbed Viktor in the heart and then killed herself, Bilsak said. 

Guests will walk this same trail in darkness, with the assistance of just a candle. Bilsak said the trail will contain clues about the identity of Viktor's killer, who they eventually will encounter. 

"There's a very good chance that they will experience the death of Viktor," Bilsak said. 

He said the story is perfect for the middle of winter, which tends to be cold and gloomy. And, no other haunts in the Philadelphia area hold Valentine's Day events. 

The dreary winter atmosphere adds to this different kind of date night, although, Bilsak said anyone looking for a scare is welcome attend the event. 

"It's not just for couples," he said. 

Bilsak said Lincoln Mill emphasizes storylines, and each event it holds will expand upon the mill's history and main villain, Viktor. 

"We're very story-driven, and this kind of digs deeper into that story," he said.

The haunt will feature about 35 actors, only a few less than regular haunt season, and is about 20 minutes long, Bilsak said. 

A single ticket costs $25, while the Lovers' Pair is $45. Each ticket option includes admission to the deck overlooking the Schuylkill River before or after the show. 

Guests can expect to see animatronics in the haunt, but actors are the main event, Bilsak said.

"We do place the emphasis on our actors," Bilsak said. "They're the stars of our show." 

Factory of Fear: Vampires Suck

With at least 85 haunted attraction across the country opening for Valentine's Day scares, one Illinois haunt has come up with a unique way to bring the fear to love birds this February.

At Factory of Fear's Love is Blind - Vampires Suck event, guests will step into a 600-year-old blood feud between vampires and werewolves. The haunt is open Feb. 10-11, 2023.

"Both types of monsters have a taste for human flesh and can't wait to attack unsuspecting couples," according to the haunt. 

The re-emergence of the feud was brought on by a "blunder" from a research company inside the factory called Jacobs Energy. 

Guests will be on the frontline of this feud and will be confronted by the monsters almost immediately, Brett DeLeo, haunt director of the Moline-based attraction, said. 

"They will probably interact with the first vampire 5-feet in the front door," he said.

Factory of Fear chose to build the original haunt around vampires and werewolves, because it believes the monsters are making a comeback in pop culture. 

The interest in werewolves might be due to the popularity of Netflix's Wednesday series, DeLeo said.

"When Wednesday came out, obviously, werewolves are going to be on the upswing. If werewolves are going to be big, let's include werewolves in ours."

The haunt will feature characters in different stages of their monster transformations, from freshly bitten to fully turned. 

Scenes in the haunt will include werewolves and vampires stalking guests in a moonlit cemetery and a swamp with hybrid monsters, DeLeo said. 

Guests will encounter several different types of vampires and werewolves, rather than just the traditional monsters. 

"My goal is to not have a hundred people be vampires," DeLeo said. "By the end,  that's going to be stale."

And guests won't be hearing common phrases such as, "I want to suck your blood." In fact, DeLeo said that phrase has been banned from the haunt. 

The actors are trained to depict fresh and unique characterizations of the traditional monsters, he said.

DeLeo said the haunt will be full of actors, as it typically features 80 to 100 per show. Usually, the haunt's off-season events have more actors than regular haunt season because of its "open door" policy, he said. 

This means DeLeo brings in actors from other haunts that don't have off-season events, as long as they have their managers' permission. 

With its location in northwest Illinois, Factory of Fear has attracted actors from places such as Des Moines, IA; Omaha, NE; and Wisconsin.  

DeLeo said the Valentine's Day haunt offers a unique way to celebrate the occasion but still allows time afterward for guests to grab dinner or a movie. 

The main Valentine-themed haunt takes about 25 minutes to walk through. Factory of Fear's second attraction, Fear Underground, which is a pitch black-style maze, takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Visitors get both attractions for $30.

Guests are allowed to walk through at their own pace, even if it means stopping to allow patrons behind them to pass.

"I don't herd people through like cattle," DeLeo said. 

Guests will also encounter roaming actors and actors in the queue.

Factory of Fear is planning Easter, Halfway to Halloween, and Christmas haunts in 2023, in addition to its regular haunt season. 

While, technically, in its 32-year, the haunt will celebrate its 30th-Anniversary this year. 

DeLeo said the haunt plans to open another full-length attraction in two to three years, and is planning expanded midway offerings, including additional food and drink vendors, and a larger parking area.

"Our goal is to make it a place where you're able to spend a full evening," he said. 

Stillwell Manor - St. Patty's Slay

With some Irish luck, guests at Stillwell Manor's Saint Patrick's Day-themed haunt can win a prize if they uncover enough gold coins hidden throughout the attraction. 

"Guests have a challenge," Stillwell Manor owner Josh Smith said of the event, St. Patty's Slay. "If they find five coins while they are going through, they (win a free ticket)."

But the challenge won't be easy. Their search efforts will be met with plenty of shenanigans and an angry, villainous "sister" out for revenge, he said.

Smith, who owns the Anderson, Ind., haunt with his father, Darrell Smith, said the March 18th-event will be up-tempo and interactive to create a "quick twitch," fast-paced environment as guests look for the coins. 

Actors will be in their faces and causing commotion to deter their hunt for coins, he said. 

"It's a little bit more frantic," Smith said.

Coins will be in seven places inside the haunt, which is located in a former movie theater. 

Stillwell Manor, open for 10 years, has been holding a Saint Patrick's Day haunt since 2018. This is the first year for the coin hunt. 

Smith said St. Patty's Slay focuses on a character named Saint Patricia, also known as Sister Patricia, who became upset that people lost focus of how she believes the day should be spent - honoring Saint Patrick.

"Saint Patricia is someone who was with a church and did not like the way they were taking over Saint Patrick's Day and turning it into a form of debauchery and drinking, so she is taking revenge," Smith said.

She also recruited others who feel mischaracterized on Saint Patrick's Day, including leprechauns, to help with her revenge plot.

Smith said guests will have plenty of interaction with these creatures throughout the approximately 20-minute haunt and encounter Saint Patricia.

"You will see Saint Patricia - hopefully twice," he said. 

St. Patty's Slay is one of six off-season haunts Stillwell Manor runs. It's also one of at least 25 Saint Patrick's Day haunts being held by attractions across the country. 

Admission to St. Patty's Slay is $15, or $25 for two tickets. 

St. Batrick's Day at Castle Blood

A St. Batrick's Day celebration of Celtic lore just seems to fit in a place called Castle Blood. 

The theatrical haunted house, filled with ghoulish props, is in a nearly 120-year-old structure in Monessen, Pennsylvania. One of the city's founders built the home in 1905. It became a funeral home in the 1930s. 

Now, legend says Castle Blood is owned by vampires and home to a variety of odd creatures who behave in odd ways. 

"It's creepy and spooky all by itself," owner Ricky Dick said of the large, old home. 

Throw in weird characters - some scary, some funny, and some bizarre, along with quests patrons are asked to complete, and you get an hour-long interactive, quirky family event.

"It's a little bit theater. It's a little bit magic show. It's a little bit escape room," Dick said. "It's a little bit cosplay. It's a little bit Renaissance fair. But it is a haunted house, so there are scares."

On March 17-18, 2023, guests will be able to participate in how the kooky bunch celebrates its Scottish roots on what typically is an Irish celebration - Saint Patrick's Day. 

Dick, whose character is named Gravely MaCabre, joked that although Castle Blood's residents are Scottish, they're not opposed to giving the Irish a little fanfare. 

"We like the Irish and we're happy to drink a green beer, but we don't want to celebrate them too much," Dick joked.

That's why the annual St. Batrick's Day event focuses on an array of Celtic legends, rather than just all things Irish. 

This year's St. Batrick's haunt is themed around the Eye of Evil, which, according to Celtic folklore, casts curses through a malevolent stare. 

Guests will encounter magic along the way that will control the behavior of the Evil Eye.

Some of the creatures guests will see include banshees, ogres, and gargoyles, Dick said.  

Guests will be given challenges to complete as they encounter different characters and move from room to room.

Dick said Castle Blood, open for 31 years, has been providing escape room-like puzzles long before escape rooms became popular within the haunt industry.

"They told me I was crazy," he said. "And now they're everywhere."

The high level of interaction between characters and guests trying to complete their games means the outcome of the haunt could be different every time. 

"You never know what the patron is going to say or going to do," Dick said. "None of us know how it's going to go."

And the characters that guests run into throughout the haunt might not be so helpful to their challenges, Dick said.

"Some of the characters like that you're here, and some of the characters aren't so happy," Dick said.

Dick said Castle Blood has a talented and loyal cast who love to act and give guests a good time. Eight or nine of the cast members have been with the haunt for 25 years, he said.

The event is called St. Batrick's as tribute to a long-time cast member, Marty, who passed away. He had a penchant for vampires.

"Vampires were his whole world, Dick said. 

General admission tickets to the approximately hour-long haunt are $20. Reserved-time entry tickets are $25 and guarantee entry within 15 minutes of a guest's reserved time. 

Castle Blood also offers lights-on matinees for children during regular haunt season for $10, where they may participate in games and trick-or-treat in the castle.

Dick said he tries to keep prices low so that patrons can afford to take their families.

"We're down in the valley in old steel country," he said. "I want families to be able to afford to show up."

Best Haunt of 2021

New York, NY - The Best Haunted Attractions in the Nation will compete in the Annual 2021 Tournament of Haunts presented by the Haunt Hunters App with Dead Dave Designs. The top #haunts from the 8 weeks of #matchups will qualify to compete in the Annual Event. 

Kim's Krypt Haunt 2020

 

Kim's Krypt

Spring Valley, PA - Kim's Krypt Haunt 2020 offers 3 solid Haunted Attractions that will bring Halloween happiness to any Haunted House Fan. Most of the Haunted Houses in the state are usually competing to provide customers with the most amount of Attractions offered at a site. Covid has changed the rules of the game and now if you are a Haunt Owner, you are forced to cut back on everything and to do more with less. "We have had to cut down from 6 Haunted Attractions to 3 Attractions this season" say's Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill owner Kimberly Yates, "who knows maybe we will be able to do it at a higher level this year". 

This brings up an interesting point, can you do more with less in the world of Haunted Attractions? After experiencing Kim's Krypt, the is a possibility that need to be explored. 3 Haunted Attractions are offered at Kim's Krypt, the Haunted Mill, House of Eyes and Terror Trail. Each Attraction offered a high amount of scares, but above all offered sensory overload. So much is thrown at you with the actors and sets, the question remains, can or do you need more?  Kim's Krypt has a solid formula for the 2020 Haunt Season with 3 Haunted Attractions that will bring all of the scares you will need for the 2020 Halloween season. 

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KimsKrypt.com

Haunt Fans Sell Out 13th Hour Summer Scare

Wharton, NJ —By Chuck Mound- The license plates in the parking lot of 13th Hour Haunted House in Wharton, NJ read New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, and Ohio to name a few.  Haunt Fans traveled from all over the northeast to attend the 13th Hour Haunted House and Escape Rooms Summer Scare held on August 1st, 2020 in Wharton, New Jersey.

The event was very well organized by 13th Hour Haunted House Owner Steve Bailey and his Staff. The event was well attended by Haunted House Fans as every time slot was Sold Out.  With the Halloween Season quickly approaching, many are wondering how and if Haunted Houses would be able to open. “This was a great success all around” says Bailey “We had nothing but great feedback from all of the customers and it gives us hope that we can provide a good Haunt Season during these times”. 

Guests were asked to pre purchase tickets online at 13thhour.com and select a time slot, which were offered every half hour. Time Slots sold out fast as they were operating at only 25 percent capacity based on NJ State Regulations for Indoor Entertainment Venues. Upon Arrival, guests would proceed to the Ticket Booth, which were protected by a thick plexy glass, and scan their tickets for entry. The outdoor Cue lines were all Social Distanced with 6 feet between each group while masks were worn. Hand Sanitizer was readily available as well as gloves for those guests who requested them. 

Haunter Riley Gates of Maryland, who was a guest actor was at 13th Hour playing the Fearleader, greeted the guests as they approached the ticket booth. “With the masks and social distancing rules, you have to really challenge yourself as an actor because you have to try to scare using different techniques” says Gates “It is also hard to get a read on the guests because of the masks, so you cannot see their facial expressions and you have to rely only on their body language” added Gates. Gates got your attention immediately as she would sprint towards you and at the last second would slide across the pavement using her knee pads and hand pads that would provide sparks.

You would typically start your 13th Hour Adventure at the highly popular time machine, that is a crowd favorite during the Halloween season, but was not in use for Sumer Scream 20 to avoid any clusters and to keep the groups moving through the Haunted House. The time machine provides that whole back story of the Haunted House based on the Hayden Family that is presented by award winning Haunt actor Matt Byrd, who plays Louey Lazarus. One of the big aspects that Haunts pride themselves on during the season is the amount of Actors that work inside the House, but with Covid, this game plan needed to be modified. “We cut our acting staff in half” says Bailey, “this limited the number of people inside the house at one time”.

Photo By Lights and Sound Media

 

You would think that this would play a major role in the quality of the Haunted House, but this was not the case. All of the actors at 13th Hour are multi year veterans who have hundreds of hours of Haunt Acting Experience and it showed. Led by acting director Christopher DeTroy the scares were around every corner while all actors in the Haunted House wore masks and practiced social distancing. Perfect placement of Animatronics with the constant audio soundtrack that seemed to pace your every step with anticipation of what was around the next corner. Each Set design was better than the next. So many new set designs for the 2020 season includes the Exorcist set, Church scene and the Swamp that uses an amazing laser effect.

Jeff Gabriele, a Halloween Enthusiast, drove from West Deptford in South Jersey to experience Summer Scare at 13th Hour. “They totally redid scenes and props” said Gabriele “they had a whole ritual scene that was great and an exorcism scene and not to mention Clowns, wasteland, creepy dolls, hillbilly butchers, monsters, marionettes and more” says Gabriele “One of the better indoor Haunts out there and defiantly worth the trip”. 

Just when you finish the first floor of fears, you go through 2 more Haunted Attractions called the Attic, followed by Darkness where you navigate through the Haunted maze with the lights out. Screams and Scares that provided 45 minutes of constant Halloween entertainment.

Scott Lucas Jr was on the scene as Co owner of Stay Safe Sanitizing out of Hackettstown, NJ to keep the Haunted House highly sanitized. “We have been spraying down the Haunted House every 30 minutes with Hospital grade sanitizer” says Lucas “ We use the best machines in the business that provides a misting spray that covers a larger area upon application”. 

The Haunt Fans that were in attendance were very respectful of the rules and regulations and went above and beyond.

13th Hour Haunted House and Escape Rooms will be entering its 9th Season in Business.  “We had a great night” says 13th Hour Haunted House owner Steve Baily, “This was an important night for the Haunt Industry to show that we can all be open while practicing the safe guidelines that have been presented”. 

For those who Fear that Halloween will be cancelled this season, you have some hope as the team at 13th Hour Haunted House proved that Haunted Houses can be open during a pandemic by following all of the safe and effective guidelines presented. 

Tapp the App on your Smartphone at HauntHuntersApp to bring the Best Haunted Attractions to your Smartphone.

Arx Mortis Presents My Bloody Valentine

Arx Mortis Haunted Attraction

Killen, Alabama - Arx Mortis presented my Bloody Valentine 2020 presented by Dead Dave Designs broadcasting with Speed by Chuck Mound on your smartphone on the Haunt Hunters App. Arx Mortis Haunted Attraction will open its doors on February, 8, 14 and 15th, 2020 for a Valentines Haunt Special. Tickets are $15 and $25 for VIP. Call 256-349-9385 for more information, Tapp the HauntHuntersApp to bring the Best Haunted Attractions to your Smartphone.

IAAPA 2019 Haunts

Orlando, Florida - IAAPA 2019 Haunts, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions will be held at the Orlando Conventions Center from November 18- 23. The Latest and greatest rides and attractions will be on display for all to see for the 2020 season. Every aspect of the Amusement Park business will be at your disposal. Park Admission, Clothing, Coin Operated Machine, Computer Systems, Construction and Consultants are all part of this massive convention. The Haunt Industry will account for 15 to 20 percent of the massive trade show floor. This includes some of the following businesses in the Haunt Industry.

Transworld Trade show produces three Haunt, Halloween, Christmas and Escape Room related events. The Legendary Haunt Tour and the Midwest Haunters Convention from March 19-22, 2020.

Froggys Fog is a premier fog fluid, haze juice, artificial snow and bubble fluids based in the United States. One of the most popular Haunt Vendors that accounts for a large part of the Haunt Industry,

Haunts Region 1

Haunts Region 1

New York, New York - The Haunt Hunters App has announced the official States that will be part of the Best Haunted Attractions for the Northeast Region. The Best Haunted Attractions will be listed on the Haunt Hunters App. This includes the Following States. Tapp the App on your smartphone broadcasting live with Speed by Chuck Mound.

NORTHEST REGION 1 HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS

Maine Haunted Attractions
New Hampshire Haunted Attractions
Vermont Haunted Attractions
Massachusetts Haunted Attractions
Rhode Island Haunted Attractions
Connecticut Haunted Attractions
New Jersey Haunted Attractions
New York Haunted Attractions
Pennsylvania Haunted Attractions

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