Terror in the Corn

16 hours ago

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It's Meet the Character Thursday! Every Thursday we will be profiling a different resident of Raven's Gulch. Today, we profile Nancy the Hotel Manager!

Born 1844 in a nearby town, Agnes “Nancy” Callaghan dreamed of making something of herself, to go somewhere. The farthest she got was about 40 miles away from home into a slightly bigger mining town by the name of Raven’s Gulch. She took up a job in the Wells Hotel and remained loyal there for decades, even working her way up to management. The owners had always been secretive but most people in the town were. She came upon the Wells’ violent activities one night when she spotted Mildred enter the storage closet and not come out. Her curiosity got the better of her so she investigated the room. She discovered an entrance to their tunnels and her own untimely death. They couldn’t have their secret getting out of course. The flood of 1890 nearly outed them anyway, but that’s a separate matter.

Whether she’d like to be stuck in that hotel or not it’s her charge. She remains in their service, haunting the halls of the old hotel. Nancy keeps the place running while the twins are away. Safe to say it’s her business to know the business of each guest.

Nancy found the name Raven’s Gulch is fitting considering the way everything that rolls in gets swallowed whole. In her later years she found a twisted sort of humor in that thought. That everyone visiting or staying for good would wind up in the belly of this old town just like her.

In more recent years Nancy’s monotonous fate has been brightened a bit having met dear Victoria with whom she orchestrates the disappearance of many men staying the night. The Well’s hotel is a tight ship sailing smoothly with the help of Victoria’s generous … percentages.

Meet Nancy the Hotel Manager and all of the residents of Raven's Gulch this fall at Terror in the Corn! Opening September 26th!! ... See MoreSee Less

Terror in the Corn

3 days ago

Behind the Shadows: The Vital Role of Security Teams in Haunted Attractions

When guests step into a haunted attraction, they’re seeking thrills, chills, and maybe even a good scream or two. What they don’t see—hidden behind the eerie lighting and fog machines—is a team of unsung heroes ensuring their safety: the security team. These vigilant guardians work tirelessly to keep the scares fun and the environment safe for everyone involved.

The Dual Role of Security: Safety Meets Customer Experience
A haunted attraction’s security team operates in a unique space. They’re responsible for maintaining order while ensuring the atmosphere of fear and fun isn’t disrupted. Balancing safety with the immersive environment is no easy task, but it’s what makes them an integral part of any successful haunt.
Guest Safety: Security personnel are trained to handle a variety of situations, from medical emergencies to lost items. Their priority is ensuring that guests can enjoy the experience without any genuine threats.
Actor Safety: Scare actors are the heart of the attraction, and they often work in vulnerable positions. Security monitors guests to ensure no one crosses the line from being scared to becoming aggressive.
Crowd Management: Haunted attractions often draw large crowds, especially on peak nights. Security ensures orderly entry and exit, prevents overcrowding, and manages any unruly behavior.

Pre-Show Preparations: Laying the Foundation
Before the haunt opens its gates, the security team is already hard at work. Each night begins with a team meeting where security personnel are briefed on their roles, zones, and any specific concerns (e.g., high crowd volume or VIP guests). Security does a walkthrough of the attraction to identify potential hazards, ensure emergency exits are clear, and confirm that all safety measures are in place. Security works closely with production managers, actors, and operations teams to address any concerns and establish communication protocols for the night.

On the Job: What Happens During the Haunt
Once the gates open, the security team is fully engaged, blending into the background while staying ready to spring into action.
Surveillance: Many security personnel are stationed at key points throughout the attraction, monitoring guest behavior. Others keep an eye on the action through surveillance cameras.
Identifying Red Flags: From spotting overly intoxicated guests to intercepting those who might be there to cause trouble, security uses a mix of experience and intuition to keep the night running smoothly.
Patrolling: Security roams the property to provide a visible deterrent and assist guests as needed. Their presence reassures attendees while subtly encouraging everyone to stay on their best behavior.
Conflict Resolution: If a problem arises—such as a guest becoming disruptive—security steps in quickly and calmly to de-escalate the situation.

Tools of the Trade
Security teams at haunted attractions rely on more than just sharp instincts. They’re equipped with tools and training to handle any scenario.
Radios: Communication is critical in a sprawling, dark environment. Radios allow the team to stay connected and coordinate responses in real time.
Flashlights: A good flashlight is a security team’s best friend, helping them navigate dark corners and identify issues without breaking the spooky ambiance.
First Aid Training: Many security personnel are trained in basic first aid, enabling them to provide immediate assistance in case of minor injuries.
Surveillance Systems: Cameras placed throughout the attraction allow security to monitor high-traffic areas and quickly respond to incidents.

Post-Show Wrap-Up: Reflecting on the Night
After the last scream fades and the lights come up, the security team’s work isn’t quite done.
Debriefing: The team gathers to discuss the night’s events, reviewing any incidents and identifying areas for improvement.
Reporting: Any significant occurrences, from minor scuffles to lost items, are documented for future reference.
Final Sweep: Security ensures that the property is cleared of guests, all actors are accounted for, and the attraction is secured for the night.

Why Security Matters
Haunted attractions thrive on controlled chaos. Guests want to feel like they’re in danger without actually being at risk. Security teams make this illusion possible, ensuring that every scream is born of excitement, not fear for personal safety.
They handle everything from rowdy groups to genuine emergencies, allowing the actors to focus on delivering top-notch scares. And while they may not wear scary costumes or hide behind the scenes waiting to jump out, security personnel are the backbone of the haunted experience.
So, the next time you’re clutching your friend and screaming your head off in a haunted house, remember the quiet professionals working in the shadows. They’re the ones making sure the only thing haunting your experience is the ghosts, ghouls, and monsters you came to see. ... See MoreSee Less