Tag Archives: The Haunt

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming weekend news you need to know

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WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin."
          - Linus from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

 

Here’s the Trick

 

A peek into the Vox Sanitarium

It’s the last weekend before Halloween, which makes it a perfect time to visit Wyoming’s newest business, The Haunt. Now located at 1256 28th St. SW in the former Showplace/JoAnn Fabrics location of 28 West Place (formerly the Wyoming Village Mall), The Haunt has a number of special events coming up as the attraction wraps up its season.

 

On Saturday, Oct. 27, there will be a Trunk or Treat from 3 – 5 p.m. and a Kids Haunt from 4 – 6 p.m. Also organizers noted that the last two days of The Haunt’s season, Nov. 2 and 3, all be very special and definitely not for scaredy cats. The Haunt is open through Nov. 3. Sundays and weekday hours are 7 – 10 p.m. (note it is not open on Mondays and Nov. 1.) and Friday and Saturday hours are 7 – 11 p.m. Because of long lines, The Haunt has been opening a half hour earlier. Check the website, https://www.the-haunt.com/ for specific details and ticket information.

 

And Here Are the Treats

 

South Kent Community Expo is this week.

Also this weekend is the South Kent Expo hosted by Cutlerville-Gaines Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is this Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

 

The event is an opportunity to learn about the businesses in the community and what services they have to offer including home improvement, home financing, home services, senior services, library services, colleges, fitness, health and wellness, pet care, banks, retail, hospitality, transportation, volunteer opportunities and employment services.

 

Or get an early start on your Christmas shopping as Holland Home’s Breton Woods will be hosting its annual holiday market this Saturday, Oct. 27, at its Breton Ridge facility, 2772 Pfieffer Woods Dr. SE. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature more than 20 vendors. Homemade cookies made by residents also will be on sale.

 

Some ‘Great Pumpkin’ Picks

 

Henderson Castle hosts a murder mystery on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Looking to have a Halloween adventure this weekend? Then the West Michigan Tourist Association has a few ideas for you. There is a murder mystery event at Kalamazoo’s Henderson Castle to the Michigan Heritage Park (in Whitehall) becoming The Haunted Trail.

 

There are number of family activities as well, such as the Monsterfest 3 film festival at the Tibbits Opera House, the second oldest opera house in the state. By the way, the Monster 3 event is free.

 

For more ideas, visit WMTA.org.

 

 

Fun Fact:

6.2 million

That is the number of Americans who misuse controlled prescription drugs, according to the Drug Administration Enforcement (DEA). The study also stated that the majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. It is why the DEA created the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is this Saturday, Oct. 27. Both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are participating in the program, accepting all drugs with no questions asked at local law enforcement offices and at Metro Health-University of Michigan Health facility.

‘The Haunt’ offers new scares and a unique twist in November

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By Micah Cho

WKTV Intern

 

When Doug Sheldon took over a popular 18-year-old business, his only goal was to make sure everyone was running out the door. After all, the business he bought was The Haunt, one of West Michigan’s most well-known haunted attractions.

 

“We tried to make sure we had something for everyone,” said Sheldon. “Whether you’re looking for a detailed-type haunted house with a lot to look at or whether you’re looking to get startled and scared behind every corner.” 

 

So Sheldon moved The Haunt to a new location, a 50,000-square-foot facility located behind the 28th West Place (the former Wyoming Village Mall) at 1256 28th St. SW (across from the Wyoming High School.) Sheldon teamed up with The Haunt’s General Manager and Creative Director Ethan Turon, who has designed haunted attractions on a national level, to create a space that has more than 144 rooms with about 100 actors, 63 anamtronics and a Lougaroo prepared to give anyone a frightening good time.

 

The Haunt Owner Doug Sheldon

Upon first entering The Haunt, guests will visit the Hemlock Manner in the attraction “Exhumed.” Like something ripped from a “Supernatural” storyline, this story is the Hemlock family’s daughter suddenly goes missing, and there’s nothing normal about her disappearance. There are certainly some skeletons in the closet, along with possessed family members and few freshly dug up guests, in this house where visitors have the opportunity to roam the rooms and halls to discover the manor’s secrets.

 

In the next attraction, mannequins have overthrown the workers and taken control over one of the midwest’s most renowned mannequin factory, the Immortuos Mannequin Factory.  But this is no sweet, singing adventure as the zombie-like mannequins are more interested in there next victim, which could be you if you care to clock in.

 

“The unique thing about ‘Immortus’ is that it’s a never-ending maze,” said Sheldon. “There’s constant twists and turns with scares behind every corner.” 

 

If you should manage to figure a way out of Immortuos, then the next stop is the Vox Sanitarium.

A peek into the Vox Sanitarium

However, don’t be fooled by the smiling man in the lab coat, he is actually a patient with Vox Sanitarium truly fitting the saying “the patients are running the asylum.” Visitors of the sanitarium will weave in and out of the main hallway of the sanitarium meeting different patients, a feature Sheldon said is unique to The Haunt. 

 

“(Vox Sanitarium) is one of the only attractions in the country that has a hallway through the center of it,” said Sheldon. “This hallway gets very full and very creepy”. 

 

If you are still standing, well how about a quick trip to the bayous of Louisiana? Specifically The Lougaru Bayou, where a secret voodoo cult has been living and with their Lougaroo – which Sheldon said is indescribable but dangerous – the cult is ready to take over the world.

 

You still have time to check out The Haunt, which will be open through Nov. 3. Sundays and weekday hours are 7 – 10 p.m. (note it is not open on Mondays and Nov. 1.) and Friday and Saturday hours are 7 – 11 p.m. Because of long lines, The Haunt has been opening a half hour earlier. Check the website, https://www.the-haunt.com/ for specific details and ticket information. On Saturday, Oct. 27, there will be a Trunk or Treat from 3 – 5 p.m. and a Kids Haunt from 4 – 6 p.m. Sheldon noted that the last two days of The Haunt’s season, Nov. 2 and 3, all be very special and definitely not for scaredy cats.

 

“We turn the lights off and give you a glowstick. If you were brave enough and weren’t very scared the first time, I guarantee we will get you,” said Sheldon. 

 

And what happens after Nov. 3? Well, you might start hearing a lot of interesting sounds coming from the building…that is construction sounds as Sheldon said they will start building for next year’s event.

The ‘haunted’ Weekend Edition: Things to do Oct. 27 – 30

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With Halloween around the corner, we offer up a few haunted attractions to get you in the mood. So read on…if you dare.

forest-of-fear-bride-and-groom

Forest of Fear

Celebrating 15 years of haunting is the South Kent Jaycees’ Forest of Fear. Located in Caledonia at 8758 Paterson Ave. SE, just south of 84th Street, the outdoor attraction features a one-third mile path haunted by the undead, people you don’t want to meet in the dark and all sorts of other ghastly creatures. The attraction is open Friday and Saturday starting at dusk with the last ticket sold at 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 person with a a $5 per person Fast Pass available. For more information, visit, forstoffear.com.

 

Moonlight Manor

Moonlight Manor, 5420 Fieldstone Drive SW, Wyoming. Dusk until 10 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Oct. 30 and 31. $5 cash donation. Ages 10 and over

 

thehaunt

The Haunt

The Haunt is hosting its Sweet 16 and you are invited. Located at 2070 Waldorf NW, The Haunt is a 20,000-square-foot compound of fear…we mean fun…yeah, fun. Stumble through “Abandoned,” an outdoor attraction in which your only guide is the moonlight or holler your way through a half mile of heart-pounding haunted hallways. The Haunt states “chances are you’ll find your way out. But you won’t be the same.” The Haunt is open at dusk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and will be open Oct. 31. Tickets are $21 with a speed ticket available for $31. For more information, visit the-haunt.com.

 

cornmaze

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Salem Corn Maze

It’s all sweet and innocent during the day at the New Salem Corn Maze, but the witches and zombies come out when it turns dark. Located at 4516 24th St., Dorr, the New Salem Corn Maze offers three different activities, the Witch’s Woods, the Haunted Corn Maze, and the Zombie Attrack, where the tables are turned and you get to hunt the Zombies. Haunted attractions are open Friday and Saturday from dusk until 11 p.m. and Oct. 31 from dusk until 10 p.m. Tickets are usually $20 per activity with special pricing for the more you do, such as $30 for two activities, $40 for three, and $50 for four. (Note the Witch’s Woods has two trails.) Daytime activities are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with ticket pricing being $7/per person and free/three and under. For more information, visit witchesofnewsalem.com.

 

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Make your escape

Not a fan of creeping through dark woods to get the whatever scared out of you? Well for a different twist on thrill, how about using your wits to race against the clock to discover hidden clues and unlock challenges and secret compartments to get out of a locked room. You can head to the Great Escape Room Grand Rapids, located inside The Masonic Temple, 233 E. Fulton St. Prices vary with discounts for groups of 10 or more. Visit thegreatescaperoom.com.

Haunted West Michigan

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Forest of FearWatching a scary movie is one thing, but the real horror begins when you live it. To safely help you live the scary movie experience, the haunted houses of West Michigan have you covered! Enjoy terrifying scares as you cautiously check around every corner, making sure that there isn’t somebody – or something – following you.

Central

The Haunt

The Haunt has been generating screams for 15 years and they’re excited for another year! Their 20,000 square foot land is filled with all things scary! Expect even more Hollywood level sets, lighting, and special effects as you run from ghosts to clowns to everything in between. New features and side attractions help The Haunt continue to serve Michigan with their annual Halloween of scares!

Forest of Fear

The Forest of Fear is West Michigan’ premier outdoor haunted attraction which has been frightening and entertaining thrill-seekers of all ages for years! Located just south of Grand Rapids in Caledonia, the Forest of Fear is an interactive, self guided walk though tour through five chilling acres of haunted woods and swamps inhabited by ghosts, monsters, and other terrifying creatures. As you walk along the dimly lit and winding trails of the Forest of Fear you will face one spine-tingling jolt after another in an experience unlike any other haunted house!

South

Haunted Campus at Michigan Maritime Museum

The Haunted Campus event at the Michigan Maritime Museum takes place October 30 and October 31 from 8pm to 11pm. This event transforms the entire campus into a terrifying new locale and challenges visitors to navigate through the horror around them. This event is only for those ages 14 and up and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

If learning about ghostly spirits is more your speed, make sure to check out the Michigan’s Ghostly Beacons presentation at the Michigan Maritime Museum! Nearly two dozen lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted by their previous keepers. The stories of these lights will entertain all ages! Dianna Stampfler, who has contributed to a plethora of publications, will present with all the proceeds benefiting the Save the Light campaign.

The HauntHaunted Trail at Stokes Homestead Farm Market

Hop on a wagon at Stokes Homestead Farm Market and take a ride on the haunted trail highlighting the history of the “Shadow Hill Asylum.” The haunted forest and apple orchard are inhabited by the patients of Shadow Hollow so watch out! They may even climb onto the wagon and try to bring you back with them!

Haunted Forest and Temple Coldwater Country CVB

Take an adventure around the Haunted Forest at Rotary Park in Coldwater! Taking place October 26, 27, 29, and 30, kids will enjoy the less scary 6pm to 7pm activities while the real scary things come out from 7pm to 9pm!

The basement of the Masonic Temple gets real scary on October 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, and 31! Filled with all the things that go bump in the night, don’t miss a chance to experience Halloween scares in this building that is over 140 years old.

Niles Scream Park

Offering five unique main attractions that are carefully and professionally designed, Niles Scream Park is here to scare the “yell” out of you! This years feature attraction is an homage to Steven King featuring a clown in your sewer, escaping the wrath of Johnny, and seeing first hand Carrie’s prom night! This is in addition to four other great haunted attractions that you don’t want to miss!

Haunted Adventures at Cornwell’s Turkeyville

Every weekend in October, Cornwell’s holds their family friendly Haunted Adventures from 12pm to 8pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays! Activities include a pumpkin patch, spooky hay ride, and Haunted Barn. The theme for the Haunted Barn this year is “shadows” so watch out for what is lurking about!

Haunted Forest at Covert/South Haven KOA

Enjoy two weekends of Halloween fun with Covert/South Haven KOA! On the weekends of October 2 and 9, enjoy some great family activities including trick-or-treating, a haunted forest, games, pumpkin decorating, and more! With all these great things to do, you may want to come back for both weekends!

Haunted Forest at Crystal MountainHaunted Corn Maze & 3D Barn at Crane Orchards

Prepare yourself for Crane Orchards’ Haunted Corn Maze and 3-D Barn! The 20-acre corn maze features plenty of spooky interruptions and terrifying surprises as your navigate through it. New to this year’s fall preview is the 3-D Barn which begins at dusk to 10pm.

The Haunted Hallow at Olde World Village

The Old World Village’s largest annual event, The Haunted Hallow, is right around the corner! Supporting the regions charities, The Haunted Hallow features everything scary on a half mile trail going through the woods with over 25 scenes. All this and the Maze of Despair are set up to make sure that you are properly scared! Open every Friday and Saturday night during the month of October form 8pm to midnight. This is not recommended for those under 17.

North

Haunted Forest at Crystal Mountain

Are you brave enough to make it through Crystal Mountain’s Haunted Forest? Hang out by the fire where you’ll hear the screams surrounding the mountain. Carefully maneuver down the haunted trail and watch out for what lurks around every corner. Tickets available at the Park at Water’s Edge on October 17, 23, 24, and 30!

Haunted Trail at Grand Hotel

See the Grand Hotel as you’ve never seen it before! The weekend begins Friday, October 30 with a Welcome Reception, five-course dinner, and Haunted Trail! A scary movie will be presented Friday evening as well! Saturday includes a Bloody Mary bar, pumpkin carving contests, free admission to the Haunted Theatre downtown, and Haunted Afternoon Tea. Another five-course dinner will be served Saturday evening followed by the Grand Halloween Party! There will be live music and all beer, wine, and snacks are included at the party.

Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour at Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is going to be filled to the brim with great activities! Don’t miss the kids Trick or Treating downtown, Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour, and Halloween parties at the downtown pubs! This a great mix of family fun and grown up entertainment!