Sports Editor Rayne Branch snaps a selfie during Fright Fest in Six Flags Great America.
Fright Fest Review
FEAR FACTOR: 8/10
FUN FACTOR : 10/10
FAVORITE CHARACTER: Knox
FAVORITE HAUNTED HOUSE: 13th Order
PRICES: $84.99 for admission and $99.99 for admission and maze combo if purchased on-site.
$55.99 for admission and $76.99 for admission and maze combo if purchased online. The maze pass wristband is $17 online and $22 at the park.
WARNINGS: flashing lights, heights, dark, loud noises, loud music, fast paced, crowded place
The spooky season is upon us, and Fright Fest is back with all new scares. As an experienced attendee, let me describe what I see.
Upon entering, Six Flags attendants are welcomed by a gigantic grim reaper/skeleton in the middle of the park’s lake.
Then make one’s way around the park and catch the parade of monsters which includes clowns, vampires, and zombies.
Keep eyes peeled for Knox, the infamous Fright Fest Founder. He is a devilish-looking creature with red horns and an eerie smile that will chill people to the bone. When seen, the real terror begins.
After the parade, scare actors walk around the park; while not allowed to touch people, they will reach out and make noises.
Also, they will single handedly “hunt” down terrified people. If not a scaredy cat, there is nothing to worry about.
I would not advise bringing kids under 13 because there is blood and gore and other scariness that may be too disturbing for them.
Lines to attractions such as rides can be incredibly long, so stay patient. Pass the time by making friends in line with others waiting, but be careful. All of a sudden, as people reach the front of the line, creatures also board the rollercoaster. Yikes!
Fright Fest offers several haunted themed areas, haunted houses, and scheduled performances featuring the monsters who roam the park as well as a Knox meet-and-greet where people can talk to him if they dare or get a picture taken with him.
Feel free to take selfies with the actors who never break character which makes it more exciting, plus get some great instagram shots.
Six Flags is known for its haunted houses, so it is well worth the extra money to get access to the haunted houses, such as the 13th Order and the Condemned Haunted House.
Get a truly frightening evening of fun after the sun sets, featuring thrills and activities for the whole family.
As the darkness of night falls on the park, nightmares will abound at every corner. Ghouls roam free, so they can carry out their daily hunting rituals.
Beware. There is no place to hide. Not even on the fastest ride.
Entertainment Editor Eddie Burgin snaps a selfie while visiting Statesville Haunted Prison.
Expensive local frights delight
FEAR FACTOR: 4.5/5
FUN FACTOR: 5/5
FAVORITE CHARACTER: Fluffy
FAVORITE ROOM: Clown Room
PRICES: General Admission: $30
VIP: $45 online, $50 in-person
Ticket discounts are available through group (15+ people) ticket purchases and on Statesville Haunted Prison social media regularly.
WARNINGS: Strobe lights, small spaces, loud sudden and persistent sounds, gunshot sounds, fog
Connected to a cheerful pumpkin patch, Statesville Haunted Prison is a scream and a half from the second I stepped onto the grounds.
I visited the opening night of their final year, and they were already ramped up beyond all expectations.
Despite the rather long wait (despite my VIP ticket purchase), I was left far from bored due to the in-line entertainment; engaging conversation with clowns, miming with crazed convicts, and even having an intense eye contact session with Fluffy himself.
There is plenty to wait with while hardly noticing the screams from inside. Those are drowned out by the loud music and occasional sounds of fake gunfire.
The true haunt begins with being stuffed like sardines into a holding container and sent inside the prison for processing. After that, you are practically at your own pace.
Some rooms are used to line people up and avoid congestion, but people can run or drag their feet as much as they like to lengthen or shorten their sentence.
There are many memorable rooms people will scream their way through – the sewers and what lurks beneath the water, hall of mirrors, and classic clown room that no haunted house could feel complete without.
A wonderful cast of characters hop in the path and jumpscares with the creepy atmosphere causing heart-stopping frights only add to the screams from every group.
Depending on where a person stands in their group, and how loud they are willing to get, that person may even be able to hold a conversation with a haunt actor or two.
With it being the last year of Statesville as it is known, I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a thrill.