Hotel of Terror to Close After Final Season Following $2 Million Eminent Domain Settlement

 

Statement posted Tuesday to social media

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – After years of legal battles and public debate, Hotel of Terror announced Tuesday it will close permanently following the upcoming haunted house season.

Local news reports indicated the settlement between Hotel of Terror Owners Sterling and Melissa Mathis was $2 million with a provision that the attraction remain open for one more season.

In a statement posted to social media on Tuesday, the family behind the long-running attraction confirmed they have reached a settlement with the city, ending an eminent domain dispute that has hung over the property for years. 

The payment from the city is not enough to rebuild the haunt, according to the statement, but the family no longer wants the stress of the prolonged battle. 

“This has been an emotional and exhausting experience,” and the stress has greatly affected my family, especially my wife's health," according to the statement. "With this settlement, it is impossible to rebuild.”

Hotel of Terror, a fixture of the region’s fall season for nearly 50 years, became the center of controversy when the city announced plans that would require acquisition of the property through eminent domain. 

City officials argued the land was needed for redevelopment, while the owners maintained that the compensation offered did not reflect the value of the business or the years invested in building the attraction.

Rather than accepting the initial offer, the family fought the action and ultimately succeeded in pushing the issue to a public referendum, a move that drew significant attention and community support. 

Fans of the haunted house rallied behind the owners, viewing the fight as a stand against government overreach and a defense of a locally owned business with deep roots in the area.

Despite that support, the dispute dragged on, leaving the future of the attraction uncertain from one season to the next. In their statement, the owners said the prolonged legal fight and lack of resolution made continuing no longer viable.

The upcoming season will now serve as the Hotel of Terror’s final run. The family said they plan to open one last time to give longtime patrons a chance to return and say goodbye.

“We are grateful to everyone in the community who has supported us and stood by us through the years,” the statement said.

Fans of Hotel of Terror posted responded to the settlement with sadness, but, said they understood why the owners, eventually, agreed to the settlement. 

“What a shame. I’m sorry to hear this and I don’t blame you at all,” one person wrote. “That kind of stress can ruin a family. We will definitely be supporting you this season. Prime example of how nothing is really yours. The government can, and will, take your house or land anytime they want to. Too many people don’t understand that.”

Another person said the news was “extremely tragic.”

“I'm so sorry for this loss, to you and your family, especially, but also to the whole community,” according to the post. “The building, itself, is such a big part of Springfield history. I'm so sad (and angry) that it's so easy for them to rob you, financially, and also mentally. None of us in the community can be as hurt as you guys are, of course. But we are hurt. This is extremely tragic that this building means nothing to so many.”

Dungeons of Doom in Springfield, also owned by the Mathis Family, will remain open. 

From Fan Idea to Long-Running Horror Show: 20 Years of Texas Frightmare Weekend

 

Photo: Texas Frightmare Weekend 

Founder and Event Director Loyd Cryer looks back on two decades of building one of horror’s most consistent fan-driven conventions.

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

IRVING, Texas – If you rewind it far enough, Texas Frightmare Weekend starts like a grainy tape passed hand to hand: a fan-made idea born out of love for the genre and conversations among friends. 

Twenty years later, it’s still playing, just on a much larger screen.

Texas Frightmare Weekend launched in 2006 out of what Founder and Event Director Loyd Cryer describes as a gap in the region’s horror scene and a shared fan impulse to fix it.

“Texas Frightmare Weekend started back in 2006 out of a genuine love for horror films and a desire to create something special for fans in Texas,” Cryer said. “At the time, there really wasn’t a dedicated, large-scale horror convention in the region, and we felt that fans deserved a space that celebrated the genre year-round, not just at Halloween. It began as a passion project between friends and has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined.”

Two decades later, that small-scale setup has turned into one of the country’s more established and popular horror conventions, drawing guests and attendees from across the U.S. and beyond. 

For Cryer, the anniversary carries a dual weight.

“It means everything. As a fan, it’s surreal to see something you love reach that kind of milestone. As an organizer, it represents 20 years of hard work, relationships, and unforgettable moments. We’ve built a community that feels like family, and hitting this anniversary is both humbling and incredibly rewarding.”

This year’s event runs May 22-24, 2026, at Irving Convention Center and is packed with celebrities, reunions, screenings, panels, horror vendors and activities.

The lineup includes a Saw reunion with Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Leigh Whannell and a Halloween III: Season of the Witch reunion with Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, and Tommy Lee Wallace. Other guests include David Arquette, Roger L. Jackson, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Emma Roberts, Tom Savini, Warwick Davis, Ice Nine Kills Lead Vocalist Spencer Charnas and Marilyn Manson Guitarist Piggy D., among a lengthy list of stars.

The shift from regional gathering to destination event didn’t happen in a single year or moment, he said. It came gradually, as the scope of the convention widened and its audience stretched far beyond Texas.

“There wasn’t one exact moment. It was more of a gradual realization,” Cryer said. “When we started seeing fans traveling in from across the country (and even internationally), and studios and major talent began treating Frightmare as a must-attend stop, that’s when it really clicked. The energy shifted from ‘local event’ to something people were planning their year around.”

This year’s convention is expected to feature more than 100 vendors, along with programming that reflects how much the horror landscape has changed since the early 2000s.

“Horror has evolved tremendously, and we’ve made it a priority to evolve with it,” Cryer said. “From practical effects legends to modern filmmakers, streaming-era stars, and content creators, we try to reflect the full spectrum of horror fandom. We’ve also expanded into screenings, live performances, and immersive experiences to give fans more ways to engage with the genre.”

Even with that expansion, Cryer said the underlying approach hasn’t shifted much since the beginning.

“Because we are fans first. Every decision we make, from guest selection to pricing to layout, is made with the attendee experience in mind. We listen to feedback, we stay accessible, and we try to create an environment that feels welcoming and authentic. That’s always been the core of what we do.”

Asked what he hopes people say after this year’s 20th anniversary event, Cryer keeps it simple.

“I hope they say it was something special—that it felt different. That it wasn’t just about meeting celebrities, but about being part of a community that truly loved horror. If people walk away with great memories and feel like they were part of something meaningful, then we’ve done our job.”

This year’s edition is being framed as both a look back and a reset point for what comes next.

“This year is a celebration of everything that’s come before and everything still ahead,” Cryer said. “We’ve got some incredible reunions, screenings, and surprises planned, and we’re really leaning into the idea of making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans. If you’ve never been, this is the year to check it out.”

For more information about the event, including the full lineup and ticket information, please visit texasfrightmareweekend.com.

Monsters, Stars, and Retro Horror Return to Chiller Theatre

 

The long-running convention turns New Jersey into a meeting ground for horror fans and cult favorites.

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — At a convention built on horror nostalgia and pop-culture icons, Darcy DeMoss stood out at Chiller Theatre for an additional quality: approachability.

Best known to horror fans for her role as Nikki in "Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives," DeMoss spent the weekend greeting fans without hurry, trading stories, and engaging in conversations that went beyond quick autographs or photo opportunities.

“I love Chiller Theatre,” DeMoss said. “It’s my favorite convention.”

DeMoss brought an easygoing enthusiasm, greeting attendees with a smile and treating each interaction as a genuine exchange rather than a transaction.

For longtime horror fans, moments like that are a reminder of why conventions remain an essential part of the genre’s culture. The connection between performers and audiences, especially in horror, often extends well beyond the screen.

DeMoss remains closely associated with Jason Lives, one of the franchise’s most popular entries, and fans lined up eager to discuss the film’s legacy. 

Her broader résumé, which includes "Reform School Girls," "Return to Horror High," and "Pale Blood," further cements her status as a cult-horror mainstay.

Outside of horror, DeMoss's filmography includes "Can't Buy Me Love," "For Keeps," and "Coldfire," among a lengthy list of credits.

By the end of the weekend, DeMoss had done more than revisit past roles. She reinforced a reputation built on gratitude and accessibility, demonstrating an understanding of the loyalty horror fans bring and meeting it with the same respect.

Other celebrities on hand for the event included Chris Noth, who made his first convention appearance, Heather Locklear, Christopher Lambert, Sally Struthers, Linda Blair, and Mike Tramp, among a packed list of stars.

Cosplayers were also a steady presence throughout the weekend, adding to the convention’s atmosphere. Attendees appeared as Frankenstein's monster, The Joker, Art the Clown, and Gilligan from "Gilligan’s Island." Others paid tribute to classic science fiction, including military-uniformed aliens from the television series "V," while a Godzilla cosplayer drew frequent requests for photos as fans moved between autograph lines and vendor booths.

Elsewhere on the convention floor, vendors filled the space with books, horror-themed apparel, handmade candles, monster toys, vinyl records, and an array of retro collectibles.

Among the longtime vendors was Buffalo Bill’s House, representing the filming location used as Buffalo Bill’s home in "The Silence of the Lambs." The Perryopolis, Pa., property now operates as a private vacation rental and offers tours, special events, and themed merchandise.

Pandora’s Box Toys & Collectibles, based in Lafayette, N.J., brought a selection of action figures, retro toys, and hard-to-find memorabilia, while The Two Guys at Chiller booth showcased Halloween blow molds alongside vintage monster and sci-fi toys, games, and collectibles.

“I love that Chiller never disappoints,” said Jeff Annason, one of the operators of The Two Guys at Chiller. “It always brings in great guests and great crowds.”

Jason Meets Hell House in a Pennsylvania Horror Crossover Event

Photo: Waldorf Estate of Fear

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

LEHIGHTON, Pa. – Waldorf Estate of Fear has seen its share of horror lore, and it'll soon be staging more of it - slasher style.

The filming location for Hell House, LLC is hosting a 40th Anniversary celebration of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives on May 1-2, 2026, bringing both movie franchises together for a two-day event built around slasher history and immersive horror experiences.

“We wanted this to be different," said Angie Moyer, owner of Waldorf Estate of Fear. “This isn’t a convention. It’s a celebration.”

The event, Jason Lives in Hell, includes cast appearances, dinner add-on options, themed photo ops, live music, access to Grimville Slaughterhouse, vendors, a costume contest, movie screenings, and interactive experiences designed for horror fans. 

And, yes, Jason and characters from Hell House LLC will be roaming the grounds, Moyer said. 

“All we do is create fear,” Moyer said.

The idea for the celebration came from James J. Haggery, known as “Jimmy J” of Horror/365, with Waldorf offering the location as a new way to mark the season’s Halfway to Halloween programming. 

While Jason Lives was not filmed at the site, organizers say the Abaddon Hotel, the name of the location in Hell House LLC, provides a fitting scene for a celebration rooted in spookiness and horror fandom.

The event is sponsored by Bloody Disgusting, which Moyer said quickly signed on in support of the concept. She added that the partnership with Bloody Disgusting also opens the door to future events and projects.

Celebrities on hand for the celebration include CJ Graham, who played the hockey-masked killer in Jason Lives, Thom Mathews (Tommy Jarvis), Kerry Noonan (Camp Counselor Paula Mott), and Jason Lives Writer and Director Tommy McLoughlin. 

On the Hell House LLC side, Writer and Director Stephen Cognetti, Danny Bellini (Alex Taylor), Jared Hacker (Tony Prescott), Adam Schneider (Mac McNamara), Bailey Moyer (Dead Girl), Phil Hess (Joey), Savannah Mickel (the hitchhiker) and Makeup Artist Jae Rehm are scheduled to appear for photos, panels, and meet and greets.

“We thought it would be a nice way to commemorate the 40th Anniversary,” Moyer said.

Moyer said she was excited to have the cast and crew from Hell House LLC back on the property. Not only has the Hell House LLC franchise amassed a large following, but Waldorf played an enormous role in that success. 

“Waldorf is the Abaddon,” Moyer said. “Every scene you see is the Waldorf. We shaped every single bit of it. When people come, it’s all the movie.”

Jason Lives picks up years after Jason Voorhees is believed to be gone, but he's resurrected after a botched attempt to destroy his body. The story returns the action to Camp Crystal Lake, where Jason resumes his violent rampage. The film stands out in the series for its lighter touch and sharp humor, while firmly reestablishing Jason as an unstoppable, supernatural presence. The movie depicts a version of the character that would define the franchise going forward.

The installment is often mentioned as a favorite among fans of the serial slasher.

Festivities begin Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m. 

One of Waldorf's haunted attractions, Grimville Slaughterhouse, will be open Friday only from 6 to 8 p.m. General admission tickets include entry into the haunt.

Saturday’s programming expands into a daytime festival starting at noon. 

Cast signings, behind-the-scenes tours and a new Escape Hell House experience, now called Return to Hell House, will be available both days.

“If you’ve been to Escape Hell House before, this is not the same,” she said.

Several ticketed photo opportunities are scheduled that include movie-themed backgrounds, including the graveyard scene in Jason Lives and a cabin setting.

Both nights will feature a 40th Anniversary Dinner Celebration, ticketed events that includes dinner, an open bar during the early portion of the event, a commemorative poster and a cake-cutting ceremony. 

Organizers will also present awards honoring the cast of Jason Lives, followed by a full anniversary screening and a live question-and-answer session.

Moyer said the unique celebration will provide a positive boost for the area and local horror fans, who won't have to travel too far in a struggling economy. 

“The economy isn’t the greatest, and a lot of people can’t travel farther to (events),” she said. “This gives fans something special closer to home.”

And by blending a landmark slasher anniversary with the immersive world of Hell House LLC, organizers hope to create an experience that honors the Jason Lives legacy and the fan community that has sustained it for four decades.

For the full event lineup and ticket information, visit https://www.waldorfestateoffear.com/.

Can We Stop Trusting the First People in Line? The True Terror of Screener Culture

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

In the good old days, film criticism was built on distance. 

Critics paid for tickets. They sat in regular theaters. They watched movies alongside everyone else, without a studio’s arm draped over their shoulder. Their credibility came from honesty rather than access.

That distance is gone, and we’re worse off for it.

Today’s hype cycle is powered by podcasters and vloggers who proudly announce they’ve seen a movie early or received an advance screener. They flood timelines with breathless declarations such as, “the scariest movie of the decade,” “a game-changer,” "nothing else like it.” 

These statements land weeks before the public has a chance to judge for themselves. 

And they’re almost always wrong. That’s not an accident.

Early access is not a reward for insight. It’s a leash.

Studios don’t hand out advance screenings out of generosity or respect for criticism. They do it because it works. They know that access creates obligation, even if it’s unspoken. 

When a creator’s channel thrives on being first, such as a first reaction, a first review, or a first hot take, the incentive shifts. Accuracy becomes secondary. Honesty becomes risky. Hype becomes currency.

Say something too critical, and the invites from the film studios dry up. Lose the advanced access, and suddenly the vloggers are just another voice waiting in line with everyone else. And for people gung ho on exclusivity and clout, that’s a hard pill for them to swallow.

So the reviews inflate. The language escalates. Every movie is “the best since,” “a return to form,” or “a cultural reset.” 

Spare me.

Horror films, in particular, suffer from this exaggeration. We are apparently living through the most terrifying decade in cinema history, if you believe the people who saw last week’s studio release three weeks early.

Then the movie comes out. Audiences watch it. And the reaction is often confusion. This is what they were raving about?

The disconnect isn’t because viewers are cynical or jaded. It’s because they were marketed to, not informed. 

Early screeners don’t function as criticism. They function as soft press releases delivered with ring lights and podcast mics.

Being first does not make you credible.

Being loud does not make you insightful.

And access does not make you honest.

Real criticism isn’t afraid of being late. It isn’t afraid of being unpopular. It doesn’t need to shout in all caps to justify its existence. It waits, watches, reflects, and then tells the truth, even when that truth is inconvenient.

The most trustworthy voices are often regular moviegoers. The ones who didn’t get the screeners. The ones who bought a ticket, sat in the audience, and didn’t owe anyone a favor afterward.

So when you see that familiar line: “You won’t believe how scary this is,” treat it accordingly. Flush it. Ignore the countdown clocks and embargo-safe enthusiasm. 

Let the movie speak for itself. Think for yourselves.

The loudest people in the room aren’t always critics. Sometimes, they’re just part of the hype machine, and the machine doesn’t care whether the movie is good. It only cares that you show up.

Everybody’s Tough Until the Leprechaun Has a Chainsaw: St. Paddy's Day Haunt at Pennsdale Haunted Barn

 

Photo: Haunt Hunters App 

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

PENNSDALE, Pa. — Green lights flickered inside the weathered walls of the Pennsdale Haunted Barn, where St. Patrick’s Day cheer took an unlucky turn.

The popular Halloween attraction, located about 15 minutes east of Williamsport, reopened for a two-day St. Paddy’s Day Haunt, trading pumpkins and fall leaves for leprechauns and mischief.

The haunted attraction, operated by volunteers, runs primarily in the fall and serves as a major fundraiser for the Pennsdale Volunteer Fire Company, Co-chair Kristina Bitler said.

The haunt began in the fire station in 2010 but moved to the barn for more space.

“It got too big for the fire department building, so we decided to use the barn on the property,” said Bitler, who was in costume and carrying the skull of a cow named Oreo.

Many of the actors are theater students from Hughesville High School, while others are members of the fire company.

“It's all volunteer, so these kids are not getting paid,” Bitler said. “Nobody is getting paid here. It's just something that we love to do.”

The St. Paddy’s Day Haunt kept the same core formula used during the October season, such as dark corridors, live actors and sudden scares, while layering in Irish-themed twists.

Organizers included a Leprechaun Hunt as part of the weekend festivities, in which patrons searched inside the barn for a leprechaun. If they found him, they were asked to take a photo and upload it to a link for a chance to win tickets to the fall haunt. 

The barn houses 42 haunted rooms, including a castle, a rocking elevator that shifts while guests are inside, and a pirate-themed area filled with fog, sea creatures and misty green lighting. In one section of the pirate scene, a character asked guests to dance an Irish jig before allowing them to cross a bridge leading deeper into the attraction.

Costumed performers lurked behind walls and in low-lit corners, mixing humor with jump scares. Laughter, screams and sudden loud noises echoed through the barn, serving as a familiar soundtrack for a haunted house, even if the calendar said March.

At the end of the walk-through, visitors encountered one final character before exiting the barn: a leprechaun wielding a running chainsaw.

The actor chased groups through the final doorway and out into the open air, a last burst of noise and movement designed to send guests off either laughing or screaming.

“Everybody's a tough guy until they meet a chainsaw,” the leprechaun told a group of patrons he had just chased out the door.

The Pennsdale Haunted Barn will close again after the St. Patrick’s Day run and return to its regular fall schedule later this year.

“We're excited about October and the changes we have coming,” Bitler said. “I can't give too much away, but there's definitely going to be some obvious changes.”

Until then, the barn’s brief March appearance, chainsaw and all, served as a reminder that the attraction’s mission does not change with the season: raise funds, bring people together and give visitors something they will remember on the way out the door.

Def Leppard Tribute to Headline Halfway to Halloween Haunt & Music Fest at Field of Screams

Frightmare Asylum at Field of Screams 
Photo: Haunt Hunters App 

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App 

MOUNTVILLE, Pa. — Spring might be on the way, but Halloween fans won’t have to wait until fall for their next fix of frights. 

Field of Screams will host its Second Annual Halfway to Halloween Haunt & Music Fest on Friday, May 2, blending live music, haunted attractions and festival-style entertainment into a single, day-long event.

The one-day celebration brings together scares and sound, with an expanded music schedule that begins earlier than usual. Gates open at 12:30 p.m., and live music kicks off at 1 p.m., turning the Lancaster County attraction into an all-afternoon rock festival before the haunted houses open at dusk. 

This year’s music lineup features five bands, culminating with headliner Adrenalize, a Def Leppard tribute act known for recreating the arena-rock energy of the 1980s. 

Other performers scheduled throughout the day include Bark At The Moon, an Ozzy Osborne tribute band; American Grim; an industrial rock and heavy metal band; Zenith, a new age classic rock band; and Basic Cable, an '80s tribute band. 

Field of Screams Co-owner Jim Schopf said the music lineup was chosen based on customer demographics and the headliner, Adrenalize, was chosen because “Def Leppard spans generations with their timeless music.”

“After I saw them live in concert I knew we made the right choice,” Schopf said. “They put on an incredible show and their talent was off the charts! Close your eyes and you are at a Def Leppard concert!”

Adrenalize will be playing Def Leppard's mega-hits, including,"Foolin'," "Rock of Ages," "Photograph," "Hysteria," "Rocket," "Animal," "Armageddon It," "Love Bites," and "Pour Some Sugar On Me," along with deep cuts like "Wasted," "High 'n' Dry," and "Switch 625!,” according to the Field of Screams website.

While the music sets the tone early, the scares begin at 6 p.m., when two of Field of Screams’ indoor haunted attractions open for the night: Den of Darkness and Frightmare Asylum. 

Customers will even get a sneak peak of some of the changes being made to the haunts for the upcoming fall season, Schopf said.

“One of the cool things about all of our off-season events at Field of Screams is the ability to see the changes that are being made for the main season,” Schopf said. “Customers get a glimpse of the progression of the changes and get to see room designs at their different stages of completion. While it is sometimes a challenge turning a room or a scene from being in the middle of production to a show-ready state, it really is a neat opportunity for our fans to see what new scares may be in store for the main haunt season.” 

“One of the main changes that you will see nearing completion is the Midnight Masquerade Scene in the middle of the Den of Darkness,” he said.

For guests looking to double down on the experience, a new “respawn” option allows visitors to re-enter either haunted house for $5.

Not all attractions will be operating during the May event. The Haunted Hayride and Nocturnal Wasteland will remain closed for Halfway to Halloween but will return during the regular fall season.

Beyond the stage and haunted houses, the event will also feature a beer garden at the Chainsaw Bar, food trucks, axe throwing, short escape room experiences, carnival-style games and the on-site Scream Shop. 

Photo: Haunt Hunters App 

Halfway to Halloween has become an increasingly popular tradition at Field of Screams, offering horror fans a rare chance to step into the dark months ahead of schedule and reminding them that spooky season is never quite as far away as it seems.

“The goal of our Halfway to Halloween event is that everyone who attends, leaves the Field of Screams property having been thoroughly scared as well as entertained with amazing music,” Schopf said. “Field of Screams is known for its incredible level of detail and production value of its haunted attractions, and adding the Music Fest just creates another layer of quality entertainment to an already incredible night.”

Tickets are on sale now at Field of Screams , with a limited-time discount available. Guests who purchase tickets before April 19 can save $10 on a Regular or VIP Fright Pass by using the promo code HTH26 at checkout.

The event will take place rain or shine, and organizers note that schedules and details are subject to change.

Photo Courtesy of Field of Screams 

BAND SCHEDULE & LINE-UP (Haunts are open at 6pm and begin close down at 10pm)

• 1:00 – 2:00 – Zenith – new age Classic Rock!
• 2:30 – 3:30 – Basic Cable – amazing 80's Tribute Band
• 4:00 – 5:00 – Bark at the Moon – Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Band
• 6:00 – 7:00 – American Grim – Industrial Rock merged with Heavy Metal
• 8:00 – 10:00 – Adrenalize – The Ultimate Def Leppard Experience