From Theme Park to Scream Park

[29yrswithaGApass]

Source - Asbury Park Press

 

FROM THEME PARK TO SCREAM PARK

Fright fest delivers a scare package to Great Adventure in JacksonBy ED CONDRAN • Correspondent • October 10, 2008

 

The theme park in Jackson will turn into a "scream park," as Fright Fest returns to Six Flags Great Adventure. Fright Fest, back for its 17th season, runs through Nov. 2.

 

At 6 p.m., the sun starts to set and the mayhem begins. "The Awakening," a dramatic procession of the walking dead, which features various ghouls, makes its way through the 140-acre park.

 

The oversized spider webs, the bales of hay, the mums and the ubiquitous ghouls are still staples. But there's more to the park than decorations.

 

Guests are invited to spin the "Wheel of Fright" for the chance to win a prize or move to the front of the line of one of their favorite attractions when the wheel lands on one of six Fright Fest-worthy items. Each item they must consume is known as a delicacy in other parts of the world but, well, not here. Fright festers can chew on crickets, nightcrawlers and hot Habanero peppers.

 

"The Wheel of Fright is incredibly popular," Six Flags public relations director Angel Ariston said.

 

"Last year people waited over a half-hour to eat the creepy crawlers. They wait in line so they can participate, and some people might be lucky enough to win season passes."

 

The popular "Dead Man's Party" returns for its ninth year at the Big Wheel with new music and choreography. Ariston is directing the '08 production.

 

"It's a challenge, but it's not so difficult since we usually have the same dancers," Ariston said. "There's some pressure since people come back year after year to see this show. They have to experience "Dead Man's Party.' "

 

There are a couple of new freaky attractions. The Escape From Asylum Trail is unnerving. It's a terror trail in which guests become mental patients trying to leave the asylum.

 

Scabs the Clown and his Sideshow Freaks will weird out guests while rendering oddball feats.

 

The younger set with a lower fear quotient shouldn't be afraid. If something scary steps within your vicinity, there's no need for alarm. Just toot your whistle, a.k.a. "ghoul repellent," that will be given away at the entrance, to ward off freaky figures.

 

There is plenty for small fries to engage in during Fright Fest. The Nautical Seaport turns into The Looney Tunes Screamport and offers a Halloween-themed Spooky Spells Magic Show for children. Next door is the "Get Ready to Wiggle Halloween Show."

 

Kids can participate in Professor Slither's Creepy Critters, where they will be introduced to bats, rats and tarantulas.

 

There is also a trick-or-treat trail featuring Looney Tunes characters, who will give out candy.

 

"We can't forget the little ones," Ariston said. "There's something here for everyone."

 

Oh, and then there are the myriad familiar rides, most of which will be open during Fright Fest.

[ChrisChavan]

They misspelled Angel AristonE's last name.