Enough with the sun! We at Roots of All Evil are ready for an October chill and Halloween excitement. Yes, we're licking our chops as we prepare to devour the region's most delicious haunted attractions. This season finds new ventures on the Northwest horror horizon as well as fresh perspectives from old favorites. Here's what's raising hair-and, with it, our hopes-for 2007.
Roots of All Evil's Top Attraction 2006-Milburn's Haunted Manor-this year broadens its menu of the macabre to include a "Wicked Woods." Knowing Milburn's, it promises to be a chilling, open-air experience.
Another favorite-The 13th Door-moves its 2007 scarefest to the Washington County Fairgrounds after pulling up stakes at Washington Square. For those who wish to skip the trick or treats or to simply enjoy a little bit 'o Halloween all year long, The Door's evil genius, Raymond Latoki, brings his new indoor "Glowing Greens" golf course to downtown Portland.
And, something wicked this way comes…all the way from Vegas! Word is a company out of Sin City will set up trailers tricked out with the latest "patented haunted house technology" in Salem, McMinnville, and in Portland at Clackamas Town Center. In fact, Salem apparently will now be home to Hysteria City's headquarters. (They'll be in good horror company with Oregon School for the Deaf's always satisfyingly sadistic Nightmare Factory.) We don't know what type of show we're in for, but we do know from perennial favorites The House of Midnight that parking lot attractions can be awesome.
One sure thing is that the spook staff at the best haunted houses is passionate and committed and often proves the difference between an excellent and average attraction. So, we'll be on the lookout for geared-up ghouls and zealous zombies, especially our fave actors of seasons past, including the spastic whack-master "Green Clown" from The House of Midnight. Sporting a Day-Glo emerald bob and supersized chin, this dude was amped and ever ready for action. (See our photo gallery.)
And what will we, at Roots of All Evil, be wearing for the big 3-1 this year? We don't know. What we do know is that the region's top haunted attractions surely will have us changing our drawers. Watch out for that puddle! Or worse…
