Jack and Jason, our managers, along with other actors, staff and friends worked from February until opening night to build an awesome playground for us this year. A few stages had been taken down or moved, including moving the entire graveyard to the finale from the first zone.
The Scenes
The first stage was cut in half and Stanley, our talking skeleton was placed as the opening act.
The old graveyard area was turned in to the outskirts of town, where a warehouse and church were built, along with a house and a camp. The werewolf, his mother or a victim, the hunter, and the priest were all featured here.
Just beyond the camp is the demon stage. I was asked to paint the shadow demon, and I am rather proud of it!
You then come upon The Black Raven Inn, our biggest build this season. Jason did 90%, if not more, of this build himself. It is one of the most gorgeous sets we have ever had. I spent the last 5 nights of the season here. Across from the Inn was the garden, which was home to Gnomie, our living garden gnome.
On your left you meet our detective, who is trying to find the werewolf, after being attacked, and losing his mind in the process.
You come upon “Hidden” where our possessed lady is hiding body parts in the walls, while her friends scream and cry at the sight!
As you reach “town center” you find it under the rule of the vampires, who are fighting the human resistance. I spent the beginning of my season until the last week, here.
After town center you enter our famous tunnel. This season featured the mummy, Akanummen, who was released by a foolish tomb raider, where the ancient evil begins to possess others and raise his henchmen.
Through our new graveyard, you come face to face with a partially resurrected Akanummen, who questions your motives in his land, and sends his minions upon the attack, at which point your driver hauls butt out of the hayride.
My Fun
I started out my season as Eleazar, the master vampire. My character was rather upset that the humans allowed the ancient evil to return, and is leading the fight against the human resistance. I really enjoyed the character, I was on a tall stage, in an area that looked really cool. I have to thank Aunt Sharon for making me the awesome vest!
My last 5 days of the season were spent as The Keeper. I was in the Black Raven Inn, where the souls of those I have possessed reside, constantly walking my endless halls, searching for your body. I had roughly 18 hours to come up with the character as we had an actor go out with pneumonia. I really liked the character and the lines, and it seemed well received by my peers.
The Cast
Now it’s time for me to talk about my fellow actors. We had a great group of returners, who brought it like the veterans they are. I love you guys and I hope we have a lot of returners next year! I am really proud of our first years! Awesome job! i will let the pics do the talking!
The Crew
Now a little bit about the people who get you there and help try to keep us safe.
Mary, Josh, Matt, Nate and Robert were the drivers this year.
Things ran pretty smoothly from what I can se and I appreciate you guys for keeping things safe!
Annie, Chalane, Katie, Ricky and Teresa were the monitors. Those fine ladies that help set the scene and keep telling you to put away your cell phones. Each monitor has a different personality. 
Miss Anne is the cackling witch that brings us joy! Chalane was new this year, but brought a little punk rock to the hayride. Katie was tough, but interacted with us, which is something I love. Ricky is always smiling and seems to be having more fun than the guests. Teresa is a pro, great interaction and the best lemon cookies ever!
Our ownership an front office staff work their butts off to make it easier for us in the back! JD and Randi, thank you for giving us this space and time to let loose and get paid for it!
Travis and Holly kept the makeup flowing. Thank you guys for throwing paint around and making people scary!
I cannot finish this without the most important people on our staff, Jack, Jason and Sandy. You three are the backbone of the operation. Sandy runs the office, she is the mom, nurse, confidante, and the sweetest hardass you will ever meet. Jason can build anything you need him to. It is amazing to see the progression from week to week, and I cannot wait to see what you come up with next year! You are the quiet manager, but you have my respect and admiration for what you do and what you put in to making us this cool playground. Jack, you are a makeup master! Design, acting, dialogue, just and overall haunt wizard. I look forward to working and learning with you in the offseason! I always learn so much from you in the haunt, as a father and a man.
Thank you to the guests for coming out, and remember…
BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER!