You sure you can handle Halloween?

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

October 04, 2008 10:08 pm

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Walking down a dark, narrow corridor, in 12th century London, the walls feel like they are closing in.
The ceiling seems to get closer to you as you grope for the exit. The air is getting thin and you can’t breathe.
This is just one of the ways the technicians at the Haunted Castle of Muskogee is getting ready to play on visitors fears.
Bill Overby, site director, said they try and think of all the little things that terrify people and bring it out in their performances.
“Some people are really claustrophobic,” he said. “We have had them just stop in the middle of the corridor and be unable to take another step.”
The Haunted Castle of Muskogee opened Friday and will run until Nov. 1. More than 42,000 people visited the Muskogee site and owner Jeff Hiller said he expects more.
“The event grows every year,” he said. “We are constantly working and expanding The Castle.”
The newest additions to the family of horrors at The Castle is The Grudge, or lovingly called “Anni,” short for “animatronics.”
“Anni is the coolest thing,” Overby said. “It’s just so big and no one will expect it.”
Nor will they be expecting the Angel of Death flying over their heads either.
“The Angel of Death is huge,” Hiller said. “It stretches about 20 feet across and that’s not including the wing span.”
And of course along with the new stars of The Castle’s exhibits, there will be the favorites as well including Halloween Land for all children under 8 years and tons of vendors and activities in The Village.
“You really need to spend some time walking around and seeing everything,” Hiller said. “It’s a whole night packed with fun for all ages.”
If you want to see Lizzie Borden or Jolt take a long walk through Casa Morte.
“We play gothic music during the long creepy walk in Casa Morte,” Overby said. “This year Casa has more goodies.”
Going through Domus Horrificus you can encounter Pinhead, star of the movie, “Hellraiser,” or Freddy. And everyone knows Freddy Kruger from the movie, “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
As far as the Trail of Blood goes, Karen Cunningham, general manager, suggests approaching with caution.
“Let’s put it this way,” she said. “We’ll take you out by hay wagon and drop you off. If you get to the other side, we’ll pick you up. If you get caught in the middle, we’ll use you as a prop.”

If you go
WHAT: 2008 Haunted Castle of Muskogee Halloween Festival.
WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, 31 and Nov. 1. Halloween Land open from 6 to 9 p.m. only.
WHERE: The Castle of Muskogee, 3400 Fern Mountain Road.
TICKETS: Must be purchased for all ticketed events and prices range from $2 to $9.95. Advanced tickets may be purchased any non-festival day up to Oct. 28. Visit www.okcastle.com to check out discount tickets and combos.
PARKING: Parking and admission to The Halloween Village is free.
SPECIAL NOTE: Bring in one can of food and receive half off any ticket price excluding combos. Food drive benefits Muskogee Cooperative Food Bank.
DISCOUNT TICKET COMBOS:
• Child’s Fun Pack includes: Hayride, Ultimate Maze, Torture Chamber, Pirate Stage and Enchanted Boardwalk, $14.95.
• Adult Fun Pack includes: Hayride, Ultimate Maze, Torture Chamber, Pirate Stage and Enchanted Boardwalk, $19.95.
• Fright Combo: Domus Horrificus, Casa Morte, Trail of Blood and Ultimate Maze, $24.95.