A Calgary-based production company will offer its annual Halloween scares at New Horizon Mall (NHM) in a creative way this year.
Instead of offering a spooky walk-through experience, Haunted Calgary has produced a drive-in Halloween experience for residents of Airdrie and area to enjoy.
“Halloween is a holiday people tend to look forward to,” said Christine Campbell, creative director with Haunted Calgary. “With so much uncertainty this year, I think anything that we can do to help people have a great Halloween experience will mean a lot to us.”
The event is set to take place Oct. 10 to 31 at NHM, with showings on Fridays and Saturdays. Ten-minute slots are available between 7 and 10 p.m.
According to Campbell, after purchasing a ticket, vehicles will drive into one of seven “scare bays.” The bays will act as the scene for a seven-minute horror showing. Each bay varies in its level of scariness. Tickets cost $50 and admit one vehicle.
Haunted Calgary has produced three original theatrical productions to choose from. From family-friendly thrills to hold-on-to-your-seatbelt scary, Campbell said there is something for everyone. People can also opt-in for a commemorative photo of attendees in their cars with the “scream team” after the experience. There is also an add-on that includes having your vehicle covered in fake blood.
“Of course this is because of COVID-19, but we actually think this is an interesting concept,” Campbell said.
Haunted Calgary’s creative approach to keeping Halloween fun and scary in the midst of the pandemic has been welcomed by the public, Campbell said.
“We announced the event Sept. 12 and tickets are already selling out,” Campbell said. “We are trying to urge people who are interested to get tickets as soon as possible.”
Campbell said Haunted Calgary has become renowned for its walk-through Halloween experience, which has been going on in Calgary for more than 25 years. In 2019, Haunted Calgary partnered with NHM for the first time, bringing its scares to the mall’s parkade.
Haunted Calgary is a social enterprise, run primarily with the help of volunteers, Campbell said. At the end of the season, 30 per cent of its profits are donated to charity. Volunteers who help with the event are provided with a list of nine charities they can choose to donate to.
Campbell said normally, Haunted Calgary’s annual Halloween experience would require more than 100 volunteers. This year, because of restrictions and safety guidelines, 85 to 90 volunteers will ensure the event goes according to plan.
“When we ask people to dedicate many hours of their lives, we want to make sure people want to attend,” Campbell said. “The charitable portion is a great selling point for volunteers to want to get involved.”
According to Campbell, Haunted Calgary has taken every precaution to ensure everyone volunteering and attending the Halloween experience is participating within COVID-19 guidelines. Volunteers will be grouped in cohorts and wearing masks, items will be sanitized and Haunted Calgary is asking attendees to do self-assessments before attending and remain in your vehicle at all times. Haunted Calgary is also encouraging people to attend with others from their own cohort.
For more information on how to book the experience, visit hauntedcalgary.org.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
