Hello Haunt Fans! As the grill still sizzles, football begins to grace our televisions, and the weather quickly turns from 90 to 60, one doesn't need many reminders that fall is right around the corner. Technically speaking, the celestial season doesn't start until September 22nd, the autumn equinox. (It is also the first preseason game for the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks.) BUT, everyone knows the REAL "season" starts Labor Day weekend. Haunt Season is finally upon us.
As each Haunted Attraction dusts off their cobwebs... or applies more, props are being tuned up and actors trained for the next two months. What can we expect this season? First guess is: The bar to be raised. Each year, haunt owners try to out-do each other and this year should be no different. EXCEPT that with some new players & old veterans in the game this year, competition is expected to be at its finest.
Lets take a look at some thoughts for the 2010 Season.
The Cake
First, another round of applause for the 2009 Critics Choice, Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach, IL, as well one for the 2009 HHC Users Vote Choice, Disturbia: Torment of Fears in Addison, IL. How will they follow up to the outstanding year they each had?
Return of a Legend
The man, myth, and genius who brought The Asylum Experience to Berwyn, IL, is back... and so is his house! After joining forces with the chainsaw-wielding Spike Mike, Dave Link and company not only come roaring back into the industry after a 10+ year absence, but also do it by taking over the Odeum in Villa Park, a long-time classic haunt location. Billed now as the Asylum Xperiment, the nightmares of lunatics will run wild once again.
Loose Ends
There are a few things we didn’t get to say at the end of last season, but didn’t forget about.
First, congratulations to the Wheaton Jaycees. As they hung up their masks after the 2009 season, memories from their attractions through the years will live on in the patrons that have experienced the methods of their madness. A job well done to Jeff Barcalow and company.
We had two haunts that had new locations in 2009 that we didn’t get to properly recognize. Dungeon of Doom should be settled nicely in their new industrial factory in Zion, IL. As they begin their 2nd year, expect the terror levels to rise and the show to get even more intense. AND Evil Intentions should be able to “close the lid” on any problems as they begin their 2nd year in their 1890’s casket factory. (No, not a prop company.)
Congratulations to Niles Scream Park in Niles, MI, who welcomed their 1,200,000th patron on October 19, 2009! (Yes, that says 1.2 million)
Lordy, Lordy: Look’s Who’s 40!
Congratulations to the Lombard Jaycees who begin their 40th year of haunting in 2010. (And no, that is not a typo!) As the longest-running haunting attraction in our area, we at Haunted House Chicago salute you and hope you have another 40 more! Keep up the great work!
Not too far behind them, the Brookfield Jaycees celebrate their 34th year of haunting! AND last, but not least, Haunted Trails Frightmare is celebrating their 20th year of haunting as well! Congratulations to everyone on the years of fright!
Silver Screams
From the minds (& bodies) that brought you Statesville Haunted Prison, City of the Dead, and Fear at Navy Pier, comes a new feature-film complete with comedy, horror, and Robert Englund! (Yes, kids, that’s Freddy Krueger.) Check out: The Moleman of Belmont Avenue at MoleManMovie.com.
Welcome to Hollywood
Congrats to the Dream Reapers crew for being featured on Travel Channel’s October 2009 edition of “America Haunts”.
Also, congratulations to the Zombie Army Productions team for their Zombie Prom being featured on G4’s, “Attack of the Show”!
Magazine Mentions
Congratulations to Amenti Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, IL, Fear Itself in Mishawaka, IN, Wisconsin Feargrounds in Waukesha, WI, Fear at Navy Pier in Chicago, IL, and Statesville Haunted Prison in Crest Hill, IL, for being recognized by 13th Hour Magazine in their 2009 Showcase of Haunts.
Additional congratulations to Wisconsin Feargrounds, Fear Itself, and Fear at Navy Pier for being featured in Haunted Attraction Magazine’s 25 Must-See Haunts.
Even more congratulations to Raven’s Grin Inn in Mt. Carroll, IL, for being featured in Chicago Magazine. (Did you know Raven’s Grin has also been featured in Time Magazine and on PBS, and the National Geographic Channel, to name a few?)
AND a final congratulations to Dream Reapers in Melrose Park, IL, for being the only Chicagoland-area haunted attraction selected to Hauntworld’s 2009 Top 31 Haunted Houses.
Movers (& Shakers)
There are only a few houses that have new locations this year. Psychosis is now in Elgin, IL. Hotel Massacre now makes their bed in Naperville, IL. AND you can drop into the Abyss now at the Dollinger Family Farm in Channahon, IL.
Also, we are sad to report that Trail of Screams in Stillman Valley, IL, is closed for 2010. But, it is scheduled to reopen in 2011.
Scout Salute
To help commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, many haunted attractions are setting up special features and discounts, exclusively for Scouts that come dressed in their uniforms. For example, 11th Hour in Elk Grove Village, IL, is offering a $10-off coupon, among several others. Jonamac Orchard Haunted Corn Maze in Malta, IL, even designed this year’s maze in the shape of a Boy Scout Badge.
New on the Block
We have a few newcomers to the HHC family. Please welcome Amhurst Asylum in Valparaiso, IN, and Torture Point in Crete, IL!
And now, another outstanding season is almost underway!
Reviews begin Saturday, September 18, 2010! Make sure you stay tuned to the Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute updates:
http://www.twitter.com/HauntedHouseChi
Have a safe and wonderful Halloween season!
Where do you want to scream today?
