By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Halloween is still more than a month away, but the Niles Haunted House Scream Park will officially open Friday, giving thrill-seekers an early start to the spooky holiday season.
Wednesday night, a few lucky guests were able to get a sneak peak at what the 2007 Haunted House has to offer. With six different haunted attractions, there's no way you'll walk away from the park disappointed.
Of course, the biggest attraction is the actual Haunted House. Last year, a total of 91,000 people from all over the United States made their way through the 100 different possible routes. This year, be prepared for a whole new adventure.
As with every year, things have changed in the scariest, most blood-curdling house. "Everything is new this year, with the exception of three attractions which are must-haves in the house – the Puke barrel, the Earthquake Room and the Spinning Room," said Tracy Wirick, who works with security and medical at the Haunted House. "Other than those three, everything is different."
This year, brave souls will experience sights, sounds and even smells that will leave you gasping for air. You may even travel back in time in the 1920s era mansion, or find yourself in church, next to a few who have been in the pews a little too long. There's also a 1950s sock hop, which may bring a little "boogy" out in you, or you may get a chance to visit the plagued prison area or Al Capone's last stop alley.
"We've got some great rooms this year," Wirick said.
Wirick was working as one of the tour guides Wednesday and was excited to show the new features of the Scream Park.
"A lot of people come here looking for one particular attraction they heard about. It's important too know that it will be almost impossible to see what you want. The Haunted House is big, there are several different routes and if we placed everyone in the direction they wanted to go, you would never get through. No one can see the entire house in one trip," Wirick added.
Two new tours, The Asylum and the Bloodmore Castle, are sure to be big hits this year as they are part of the "small house" and provide an experience like the actual Haunted House.
The Asylum will take you back to the days of the yesteryear where Dr. Phobia could cure anything with his madman methods of maniacal treatment. Once you enter, you must check in. After that, you'll never wish you did. You'll see just what some went through during their time at the Asylum, including a figure banging his head against the metal beams of a cell, a figure being operated on and someone who hit the electrician chair one too many times.
At the Bloodmore Castle – well, the name says enough. This will give patrons a chance to step back to medieval times and see some of the amazing detailed sets. Watch out, though, as some of the figures may not be so friendly.
"We're very excited about these two new attractions. The details are phenomenal and I think people will really enjoy these two features," Wirick said.
The field of screams will have you doing just that! Good luck getting through the dark maze. This revamped outdoor maze features some new areas this year like the strobe-lit chainlink fence maze and "claustrophobia," which gives patrons he chance to get through a black tunnel that literally sucks you in. Good luck finding your way out of this one.
An improved Midway of the Macabre will feature old favorites like Fry Freddy and the X-terminator. The new attraction this year is The Executioner. The midway also features several food concessions that provide enough variety to satisfy everyone's cravings.
Back again is the Dark TERROR-Tory Haunted Hayride. Do you dare ride through the unknown frights that lurk in this foreboding rural terrain?
The Haunted House will open their gates this Friday and Saturday from 8-11 p.m. and will remain open every weekend until the week of Halloween, when it will be open all week, leading up to the 31st.
Prices vary depending on which feature you want to visit. The best value is the combination packages. For just $17, the Triple Dog Dare allows you to visit the Haunted House, Bloodmore Castle and The Asylum. For just $22, the Frightful Nightful package gives you the chance to visit all three attractions listed in the Triple Dog Dare Combo, plus the Haunted Hayride and the Field of Screams. The Niles Haunted House Board of Directors are very sorry to report that recently inspectors went through the Children's Fun House on Bell Road and revealed that it needs to comply with current codes, which would include the immediate installation of a sprinkler system, fire alarm panel and several additional items.
In light of the fact that the Fun House only is open to the public for eight partial evenings or a total of 28 hours per year, it is not possible to comply with these requests because it would be cost prohibitive to do so. Reluctantly, the facility has been closed.
The Niles Haunted House is a non-profit community project that utilizes approximately 150-200 volunteers per night to staff its various attractions. These volunteers represent over 80 Michiana area community and school organizations.
"Last year, we were able to give more than $105,000 back to local communities," Wirick said.
The Haunted House raises money for a number of different organizations throughout the area.
The Niles Haunted House Scream Park is located on Mayflower Road, south of Niles-Buchanan Road just off Exit 5 of the U.S. 31 bypass. For more information on prices, times and dates of operation, call 687-FEAR or visit the web site at www.haunted.org.