Attraction guarantees a haunting experience
Posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2008
GAYNELL BELLONI Staff Writer y gaynellb @ nwanews. com It's a recurring nightmare.
Nightmares Haunted House, sponsored by the Bentonville-Bella Vista Lions Club, is returning to the area for the 21 st year.
More than 5, 000 thrillseekers, mostly teens, attended last year, said Ron Gaudian, a member of the Lions Club and owner of Kozy Heat Fireplaces Inc.
The house is behind Gaudian's business, located on the frontage road east of U. S. Highway 71 and south of Benton County Road 40.
The nightmare begins Saturday, Oct. 11, and continues every Friday and Saturday evening until Nov. 1.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The ticket office closes at 11 p.m.
Tickets are $ 10 each for adults and $ 5 for children 12 and under. Prices remain unchanged from last year, Gaudian said.
Visitors will notice the house and an associated bus are changed every year to keep the heartpounding fun fresh, according to organizers.
A tent has been added, inside of which the line for the house will snake back and forth. A video screen will provide shivery delights, and cooling fans will help with the night sweats.
The nightmare will take approximately half an hour, not including wait time, Gaudian said.
First is the Ghoul Bus journey, where riders sit facing the rear, and a large-screen TV provides nerve-wracking visuals. The windows are blacked out to heighten the experience.
Fright fans must then shiver their way through the haunted house. The cemetery beckons, the cold mausoleum stands silent and the undead await.
Gaudian would like to caution parents of young children that the frights are intense, and kids 7 and under don't always find it thrilling.
The event grossed more than $ 35, 000 last year. All the money, less expenses, is used to support the community through Habitat for Humanity, eye and hearing conservation and diabetes awareness, among others, Gaudian said.
Gaudian and the 25 to 30 actors and volunteers from the Lions Club believe the haunted house is more frightening than ever before and are eager to share their nightmares.
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