Clown storyline sure to torment
The lights might be on in this picture, but imagine these nightmarish clowns in the pitch dark of the Halls of Terror setting on St. Feriole Island. If you dare to experience this year’s haunt, organizers are trying out a themed thrill this time, starring Charlie the former circus clown who has turned the cedar building into an asylum. He and his buddies are ready to frighten you out of your wits and chase you and your friends around the Halls of Terror, which are open Oct. 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Kid-friendly haunts are Oct. 17 and 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. (Photo by Correne Martin)
By Correne Martin
The terrifying new twists and turns at the Halls of Terror are killer this year! If creepy clowns unnerve you, the 2015 haunt may or may not be for you.
Scheduled for Oct. 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31 from 7 to 10:30 p.m., with kid-friendly opportunities on Oct. 17 and 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m., Halls of Terror will literally scare you away with its storyline this year.
Charlie, the former circus clown, committed a number of murders, allegedly. On the run from the law, he’s taken asylum in the cedar building on Prairie du Chien’s St. Feriole Island—the site of Halls of Terror for the past four years. Anybody who has entered the building has become his victim.
Those who dare to be scared by this menacing clown and his buddies—also former circus clowns turned lunatics—are certainly in for a disturbing experience.
Thrill seekers will begin the haunted event on the east side of the building, a new aspect this year as well. Organizers, which include Nick and Nate Gilberts and Dan Moris, are excited about the potential for a long line to form on that end of the building, potentially attracting more of a crowd. Next, you will pass through a spooky fenced-in area outside the building that is double the size as it’s been in recent years. Then, you will board a school bus, where spine-chilling freaks will continue to startle. Finally, you will enter the building and be trapped inside and subjected to a petrifying one-minute video in which Charlie alludes to his horrific exploits.
“What we’re trying to create is this one character who is stalking you throughout the building,” Moris explained.
After the video, you will make your way through the maze of eerie hallways, making sure to watch your back for Charlie at all times. The first skeletal victim will greet you at the reception desk. Just like a typical horror film, you’ll witness multiple mutilated bodies at every corner: in a clinic exam room, operating room, emergency room, etc. And Charlie will reappear throughout, thanks to four different actors who will play the role of the psychotic clown.
After crawling and feeling your way through the dark layout of halls and rooms, you will pass through areas illuminated only by black lights, as all of Charlie’s deranged buddies greet you. Smoky halls, banging noises, puffs of air and flailing arms will add to the disorienting moments. Finally, at the end, the building will be pitch black and the chase will be on. The music will intensify and your breathing will speed up as you attempt to escape as Charlie chases you out of the Halls of Terror.
“Charlie is a character we felt was easier to identify with,” Moris said. “He’s the Freddy Kruger, the Jason, the Pennywise. We hope it helps create a more cerebral experience.”
“It’s also a longer haunt this year,” Nick Gilberts added, noting that around 1,000 to 1,100 usually torment themselves at the Halls of Terror, held rain or shine. “There’s a covered waiting area and volunteers will be roaming around outside scaring people while they wait.”
Don’t let the little building fool you either. The smaller building only adds to the fright, Nate Gilberts said.
