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Friday, October 05, 2001

By Adrian McCoy Post-Gazette Staff Writer

In a time when fear has been redefined by the events of Sept. 11, how do we mark Halloween, a season when we go out of our way to scare ourselves?

The area's many Halloween haunted attractions and other events are going on as planned, without cancellations.

	"Crazy Clown," an escapee from the Clown Asylum at Fright Nights in Station Square, carries on with Aime Lucas, 16, of Bridgeville and a friend. (John Heller/Post-Gazette) Reviews of two of the biggest fright sites

The general philosophy among local haunted attraction producers is that the show must go on. There was no talk of canceling Fright Nights, the month-long Halloween festival held annually at Station Square. "It's a scary festival, but we like to stress the idea of 'Come on down and have fun.' We're pretty much a family event," says Clear Channel Entertainment's Ed Traversari.

Aboard the U.S.S. Nightmare's "shipwreck on the Mon," it's the same story. The scares come more from the creepy, crawly critters that symbolize Halloween than they do from gross-out images, although there is a morgue exhibit. "We're not big on gore," says Suzanne Gradisek, Gateway Clipper director of marketing. "It's make-believe. It's Halloween."

The Fright Nights exhibits were not toned down in response to recent events. "We're more into ghosts and goblins" than gory displays, Traversari says. "We did talk about it. We've been sensitive to the whole issue."

At Make-A-Wish Foundation -- the beneficiary of Terrors By the Lake and Phantoms in the Park -- they decided to proceed as planned, based on the advice of professional fundraisers and on what President Bush has said in recent speeches about people needing to go on with their lives. Proceeds from these events go to fulfill wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. "Those wishes still need to happen. We can't stop," says Make-A-Wish spokesperson Ann Fisher. The only changes: at Phantoms, there will be a separate money collection earmarked for disaster relief organizations, and on Oct. 27, Central Blood Bank will conduct a blood drive at Terrors by the Lake.

At other Halloween charity fundraisers, some of those proceeds are going to the victims of the attacks. The Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, which has for many years sponsored the Haunted School in Castle Shannon, is donating a portion of the proceeds to firefighters in New York.

So far, for events that have already opened, attendance figures are healthy. The two biggies at Station Square -- Fright Nights at the I.C. Light Amphitheatre and the Gateway Clipper Fleet's U.S.S. Nightmare -- both opened last weekend and both reported higher attendance than in previous opening weekends. U.S.S. Nightmare had its best-ever opening weekend, according to Gradisek. Fright Nights drew about 1,000 more people than it usually does the first week.

For those who are looking for something a little less edgy in the way of Halloween happenings, there are many scare-free alternatives, such as the Center for Creative Play's Storybook Castle, where kids can explore storybook theme-rooms. At Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, families can celebrate Halloween with pumpkin carving and other activities during the evening of Oct. 27. This year, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has added Scarecrow Junction, a scarecrow display and contest.

THE SCARY STUFF

9th Annual Fright Nights

Attractions include Dark Hole, Haunted House, 3D Clown Asylum, thrill rides and more. I.C. Light Amphitheatre and Tent, Station Square. Through Oct. 31 (closed Oct. 8-10). Sun.-Thurs. from 7 to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. from 7 p.m. to midnight. $12. 412-232-6200.

U.S.S. Nightmare

More than 30 scenes and mazes. Not recommended for children under 12. Gateway Clipper Fleet dock, Station Square. Thursdays through Sundays through Oct. 28, plus Oct. 30-31. $12. 412-355-7944.

Terrors By The Lake

Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. Pearce Mill Road, North Park. Through Oct. 31. Weekdays 7:13 to 10 p.m., weekends 7:13 to 11 p.m. $6. Closed Mondays. 724-934-HELL.

Phantoms in the Park

Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. 100 Acre Drive, South Park. Through Oct. 30. Weekdays 7 to 10 p.m., weekends 7 to 11 p.m. $7. Closed Mondays except Oct. 29. 412-854-4156.

Becca Galilei, 16, of Crafton sticks her tongue out at Michael Myers, as the "Halloween" villain roams the midway at Fright Nights in Station Square. (John Heller/Post-Gazette)

Haunted Hollow

Huston family expands on a legend of a renegade Revolutionary War soldier. Six miles south of Somerset on Route 281. Haunted farmhouse and apple orchard, maze of madness and 30-minute hayride of horror. Dusk-midnight, Fridays-Saturdays in October. $9. Group rates available. Special free events (including fireworks): 9 p.m. Sat., "Raising of the Soldier's Ghost," and 9 p.m. Oct. 27, the ghost is sent back to his resting place ($1 parking fee goes to Rockwood Football Boosters). Portions of proceeds will be donated to American Red Cross disaster relief. 814-926-3133.

8th Annual Fall Festival/ Haunted Trail

Presented by Bayer Corp. Monster Patch, Haunted Trail, plus flea market, crafts, NASCAR exhibit and daily special events. Proceeds benefit United Way of Allegheny County. 100 Bayer Road, Robinson. Oct. 5-6, 12-13. from 6-10:30 p.m. Fri., from noon to 10:30 p.m. Sat. Haunted trail opens at 7:30 p.m. $8 a person, $6 seniors. 412-777-5555.

Fright Farm

Route 857, Smithfield. Through Oct. 31. Sun.-Thurs. from dark until 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat., dark until midnight. $7 kids, $9 adults on Mon.-Thurs., $9 kids, $11 adults on Fri.-Sat. 724-564-7644.

Haunted School

Sponsored by the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department. Route 88 and Grove Road, Castle Shannon. Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 19-21, 26-30. Doors open at 7 p.m. 412-884-7913.

Nightmare Circus in 3-D Haunted House

Located next to Route 51 Family Fun Center Go-Karts in Coraopolis. Oct. 5-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-31. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and Sun.; 6-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $8; $1 off with canned goods for Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 412-269-9515.

Haunted Hills Hayride

Benefits Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Spectrum Charter School, Monroeville. Route 48 half-mile north of Route 30, North Versailles. 7-11 p.m. Fri.-Sun. in Oct. and nightly Oct. 24-30. $8 adults, $5 children under 10. 724-861-2392.

HALLOWEEN

HAPPENINGS

Bump in the Night

Guided night walk through the woods, plus storytelling, crafts, animal show and music. Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Squirrel Hill. From 7-9 p.m. Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27. Space is limited: Advance registration is required. $5 ages 12 and older, $3 children ages 2-11. $1 off admission for members. 412-422-6538.

KDKA ZooBoo For Kid's Sake

Halloween train ride, spooky hairdos, Haunted Niches of the World building, Monster Splash at the Aquarium, Halloween crafts and treats. Oct. 19-21 and 26-28, 6-10 p.m. Gates close at 9 p.m. $4 nonmembers, $3 zoo members. Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Highland Park. 412-665-3640.

Pumpkin Patch Trolley

Scenic trolley rides and pumpkin caroling, plus pumpkin decorating for kids. New this year -- Scarecrow Junction, a scarecrow display and contest. Contest and judging take place Oct. 13-14. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, near Washington County Fairgrounds. Oct. 13-14, 20-21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $6, seniors $5, ages 2-15 $4, under 2 free. Call toll-free: 877-PA-TROLLEY.

Enchanted Garden

The courtyard at the Children's Museum has been transformed into a magical garden with amazing creatures and surprises, including a rag maze, magic, performances of We're Holden Puppets' "Haunts, Hoots and Howls," and pumpkin carving. Other attractions include Trick or Treat on Safety Street and the Ghoul Bus. Pittsburgh Children's Museum, Allegheny Center, North Side. From 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25-27. $4 members, $6 nonmembers. Reservations suggested: 412-697-0122, Ext. 15.

Creatures of the Night

Non-scary Halloween event for families. Night hikes along Beechwood Farms nature trails, where hikers will encounter some of Beechwood's nocturnal inhabitants. From 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. For members -- $4 adults, $3 children. Nonmembers -- $5 adults, $4 children.. Advance registration required. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel. 412-963-6100.

Halloween Hobgoblin Hikes

Hikes through two Westmoreland County parks: Northmoreland Park (Oct. 19, 7 to 9 p.m.) and Mammoth Park (Oct. 26, 7 to 9 p.m.). Donations accepted. 724-830-3950.

Center for Creative Play's Storybook Castle

Fun, safe, fully accessible alternative to haunted house for children of all abilities, with storybook characters, hidden treasures games, crafts and more. Northway Mall. Oct. 20-28. Open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fri. through Sun. during mall hours. $4 for children, adults admitted free. 412-371-1668.

Halloween Fun Fair

Storytelling, pumpkin painting, art, games, prizes and treats for kids. Boyd Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, O'Hara, 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 27. 412-828-8566.

Halloween Happenings at Phipps

Come in costume to this family festival, which features pumpkin carving, program on bats, conservatory tours and storytelling. and kids' costume contest. All activities free with Conservatory admission. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Schenley Park. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27. 412-622-6914.

Run Like Hell

5K run/walk and Halloween party benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Riverfront Place to Washington's Landing along River Avenue and back. Survivor's Party follows, with costume contest and live music. Oct. 27, rain or shine. Race starts at 7 p.m. Registration: $20 until Oct. 19, $25 after. For information, call 412-321-4422.

Gateway Clipper Fleet Halloween Cruises

Halloween Monster Party Cruises -- Children's Halloween party (Oct. 27-28)

Return of Chiller Theater Dance Cruise -- With Chilly Billy and the Chiller Gang plus House of Soul (Oct. 26)

Friday Night Dance Cruise -- National recording artist to be announced (Oct. 27). Reservations/information: 412-355-7980.

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Hed: Dark passages

Sub: Station Square attractions are the biggest but may not be the scariest of the Halloween haunts

Just how scary are the city's biggest Halloween attractions? We sent two young writers from their intended audience to find out.

U.S.S. Nightmare

Gateway Clipper Dock, Station Square

By Emily Fear, 16, South Park

Fear is all about perception, one's take on what exactly is scary. Some people fear spiders; others fear heights, or crowds, or the number 13, or dying alone, or dying at all. Those who fear nothing (nothing they will admit to) visit haunted houses.

The U.S.S. Nightmare is kind of like the Loveboat if the crew was all trying to scare the wits out of you instead of match you up with your special someone. You can feel the united effort among those working there. They want you to be terrified, so you'll tell your friends about it, and those friends will all want to come down to shell out 12 bucks for a horrifying experience.

The boat doesn't exactly live up to its name, at least not for horror house aficionados. Those well acquainted with the well-worn gimmicks of these places will not be surprised with anything they encounter. The closest thing to a new idea is the tube slide at the end of the attraction (you put your feet into a burlap sack and skid downwards about 20 feet), but this will hardly frighten the highly experienced.

It is worth saying, however, that claustrophobics need be aware. The passages are mostly dark and cramped, and on busy nights they can get backed up, causing the wait between chambers to be a horror all its own. And several of the hallways are completely black with little in the way of directions. People must feel their way around in these places, making careful attempts not to hit any of the boat's crew that may be lurking around the corner.

Young children may be easily frightened, especially considering how many ghastly characters were creeping around, just waiting for an anxious innocent to terrify.

This is an attraction for novices looking for a good, if short, scary time. At about a 15-minute tour for $12, haunted house veterans will probably not find the scares worth the price.

Fright Fest

I.C. Light Amphitheatre, Station Square

By Danielle Hoffman, 20, Squirrel Hill

Hoping to get a head start on my Halloween spirit, I headed down to Clear Channel Entertainment's 9th annual Fright Nights (formerly Fright Fest) at the I.C. Light Amphitheatre in Station Square, which has been transformed into a playground of screaming corpses, crazy clowns and creepy zombies.

While Fright Nights was certainly entertaining, many of the scares were more amusing than truly terrifying. Clear Channel is opting for a carnival atmosphere with midway games, caramel apples and popcorn and even a few free rides (including a mini-Ferris wheel). My favorite was the popular "dump the clown," featuring a colorful character with some very choice insults. Other distractions as we waited in infinitesimally long lines included a big-screen showing of "It," a rather inept stage magician and an assortment of ghouls stalking silently through the crowds.

Though this midway environment was fun, the three main attractions -- Black Hole, Clown Asylum in 3-D and Haunted House -- were not always worth the wait. The Black Hole, the Fright Fest's newest attraction, was plenty of fun with strobe lights, creepy characters and a few noteworthy scares. Most importantly, it showed creativity that the Clown Asylum lacked. While the 3-D glasses were fun at first, this particular haunted experience seemed to consist mostly of splatter paint and the halfhearted attempts of clowns to frighten us.

Unfortunately, after waiting in line for half an hour and realizing that we'd moved exactly a foot, we learned that one of the guests had sprayed a fire extinguisher in the Haunted House, so we were unable to walk through it. We were assured by several patrons, however, that it's the most terrifying and includes a costumed dog and more props and displays than either of the other attractions.

If you're looking for a mini-Kennywood experience, Fright Fest has its moments. But if genuine fear is your goal, hurry down to Blockbuster and rent "It."

Emily Fear and Danielle Hoffman are veterans of "Music 'n' Music," a feature of the Post-Gazette's Web edition where local teens review concerts, CDs, film and video. Find "M'n'M" at www.post-gazette.com/mandm.