Haunted House Association 2010 Moves Forward

The Haunted House Association (HHA) is moving its organization forward for 2010. So far there are many things to come of the newly formed association for haunted and these are are couple of the items we can expect to see to help move Haunters forward with support, networking and more.

Release:

PR Campaign:
The HHA is embarking on a new PR campaign that is solely owned and funded by the HHA. As you know last year we participated with America Haunts in their campaign, but now that we are on our feet and rolling we are prepared to launch our own campaign. As always our focus will be to protect and promote the Haunted Attraction Industry, and promote our members’ haunts. You can be assured that the knowledge of our board and members will give this new campaign great chances for success.

New Web Site:
As you know last year we developed a web site on the Hauntworld owned URL www.HauntedHouseAssociation.org. This year we are now creating our new site on the HHA owned URL www.HHAssociation.com. It is important to note that this is being done with the full support and encouragement of Hauntworld, who additionally donated funds for the NEW website. The HHA board will be fully in control of the new site at all times, and it is planned to focus equally on all projects and entities that help the HHA and the industry as a whole to protect and promote Haunted Attractions. It is hoped that the new site will be online sometime before TransWorld, keep your fingers crossed! This new site will be a great resource for haunted house owners and operators to come together and help the industry.

Safety Campaign:
As you know we began a campaign last year, an outreach to teach new haunters safety. This will be a big focus in the upcoming year, as we feel that safety education should be promoted and distributed where it is needed most, to start up or home haunts that often have no interaction with local officials. Randy Bates, our new President, is well known as one of the industry’s experts on this topic, and plans to address this fully. Also key to this is the Crisis Plan that Randy developed to help Haunt Owners and the HHA deal with assorted problems that could occur on both a local or national scale.

MEMBER BENEFITS:
Of course member benefits play a major role when it is time to join an association. Here are some of the benefits a membership in the HHA will bring your event:

Publications: Members will receive subscriptions to 3 publications while they are members – Tourist Attractions and Parks, Hauntworld Magazine and Haunted Attraction Magazine.

Vendor Discounts: Members will receive extensive discounts from many of the finest vendors in the industry. Use of just a few of these discounts can pay for your membership in short order. This list is growing all the time, but we will post an updated list soon!

Haunt Directory: Member haunted houses will be listed in our new Haunt Directory on our new web site, www.HHAssociation.com. Assorted campaigns like the PR and Safety Outreach programs will drive traffic to the site and thus to your event’s listing.

Membership Directory: Once a year HHA will produce a comprehensive listing of our members, vendor discounts, by-laws, and other important information. This will be mailed out to our members.

Heraldry: Members will receive the right to use our logos and imagery to promote that they are members in good standing of the Haunted House Association.

Exclusive Meetings and Functions: Members will be able to attend exclusive meetings and events such as the upcoming Ultimate Brainstorm meeting at TransWorld this year for members only.

Participation in the Association: Members who are the owners or operators of a Haunted Attraction can vote for the board of the HHA. Members who are Owners or Operators of a Haunted Attraction with 5 years of operation can run for the board of HHA. Members are also encouraged to participate by joining committees and helping us protect and promote the industry.

Access to Networking: Members can participate on our NEW HHA Forum and on our Yahoo Group. Plus more to come! As you can see there are many benefits to joining the HHA and many important REASONS to help us protect and promote this industry. We look forward to sharing more of our plans with you soon and having you stop by our booth and join the HHA at the TransWorld show in a few short weeks!

For more information about the association be sure to visit the current site at: www.HauntedHouseAssociation.com

The HMA Presents Mask Fest 2010

The Mask-Fest 2010 is coming for all you Mask Fiends out there. THE HALLOWEEN MASK ASSOCIATION is the # 1 resource for collectors and artists of latex masks, busts, props, and reproductions! Whether you’re a collector of classic Don Post masks or Michael Myers masks, The HMA has you covered! If you’re a Independent Garage Artist or you work in the SPFX field, The HMA has you covered! And if you’re looking for a place to hang out and talk monsters or you just want to learn how to make your own monsters, The HMA has you covered!

And in time to kick off 2010 for you latex smelling fans, MASK-FEST 2010 is coming.

When:
Friday, March 26, 2010 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 28, 2010 5:00 PM EDT

Where:
Indianapolis Marriott East
7202 East 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219

Horrorhound Weekend and The HMA are presenting MASK-FEST 2010, a convention dedicated to the artistry of MASKS, MAKEUP, MONSTERS, MODELS, and MORE! to stay up on all the happenings of the event, vendors and more be sure to visit: www.TheHMA.net, www.MaskFest.com and www.HorrorhoundWeekend.com

Midnight Syndicate’s 13th Anniversary Photo Contest

In light of Midnight Syndicate celebrating their 13th Year of Fear, and the upcoming release of the Dead Matter, they have now given their fans and music lovers a chance to win some hauntingly good goodies in the Midnight Syndicate Photo Contest.

Simply email the following items to info@midnightsyndicate.com with the subject heading: PHOTO CONTEST, it is that easy!

1.)Any Midnight Syndicate-related image you may have from the present or past thirteen years. Some ideas include: posing with CDs, posters, t-shirts, or the band at a convention, Midnight Syndicate-inspired artwork, or a picture of your group or haunted house.

2.) A description of the photo and how it relates to Midnight Syndicate (if not obvious). You can also (but do not have to) share a story from the past 13 years about the music or how you’ve used the music (5 sentences max).

3.) Your name (as you would like to see it appear on the website)

4.) City and State

Once these fields are filled out, and submitted you are ready for the Monthly Drawing! Everyone who submits a photo or story will be entered in monthly drawings. At the end of each month in 2010 one contestant (chosen at random) will win the prize that month. Prizes include, but are not limited to, rare and special-edition autographed Midnight Syndicate-related merchandise.

Each contestant will automatically be entered in every month’s drawing until either: They win a prize in a monthly drawing, The contest ends on December 31, 2010

And if that wasn’t enough, itt is possible to win a prize in both the MONTHLY DRAWING and the weekly FEATURED PHOTO CONTEST!

WEEKLY FEATURED PHOTO CONTEST:Starting in January and continuing every week in 2010, we will feature one photo that will be displayed on the Midnight Syndicate Facebook page as well as on the official website.

Photos are chosen randomly. If your photo is chosen you will receive a Midnight Syndicate CD of your choice (must be a CD that is currently in-print).

We will contact you for information on where to send your prize to once your photo is chosen.

So enter and show that Morbid Haunt Love for the spookmaster musicians Midnight Syndicate. For more information the band visit: www.MidnightSyndicate.com or for more on the Photo Contest visit: www.MidnightSyndicate.com/photocontest.htm

C.H.A.O.S. Haunted House Safety Program 2010

Each year the International Association of Haunted Attractions launches a program to help Haunted Attractions better educate themselves on safety, procedure, fire codes and more. And in 2010, the next chapter in the C.H.A.O.S. program is set to launch.

In 2010 the C.H.A.O.S. Introduction to Haunted House Safety 1.0 (Fire & Panic In Haunted Houses / Code Compliance – Life Safety 101) will once again be brought to you by The International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA) and TransWorld Exhibits. They have teamed up to bring you C.H.A.O.S, the associations’ safety course that is recommend to anyone running a haunted attraction. This 2 plus hour course will count towards your 8 hours required to receive your certification. Each year IAHA along with TransWorld will offer safety classes you can attend to fulfill your requirement for certification. When you complete the 8 hours, you will be given a certificate that can be used to show your fire marshal, insurance carrier, and local authority to impress upon them the your desire to run a safe haunted attraction. This introductory course will explore the historical origins of NFPA 101 “The Lifesaving Code” using actual case studies to underscore the importance of NFPA 1010 in an overall risk reduction strategy for haunted houses, mazes and other attractions that can be classified as “Special Amusement Buildings.”

The course will also explore how the codes and standards impact your overall risk reduction strategy for your haunted attraction. The presentation will focus on all aspects of NFPA 101 Lifesaving code, NFPA 701, NFPA 10, and other codes that impact the overall safety of your attraction. You cannot afford to miss this seminar. We as an industry must put safety first.

The program will run 2.5 hours, presented by Phil Slaggert. Note: All participants will be issued a certificate of completion. All for the price of $45.00 for Members and $65.00 for Non-Members.

for more information or to register visit: www.IAHAWeb.com

One Night of Fright in February at the Terrorplex

Are you ready to get your Haunt on and scream in February? Well now you can get that scare if you are in the Dallas Fort Worth Texas area you can hit up the Terrorplex on February 13th. On Saturday the 13th in honor of the theatrical release of the Wolfman Remake (Click Here to see the Wolfman Trailer), the Terrorplex is going to open two haunted attractions plus have a fun filled evening of live entertainment with the Wolfman on the prowl.

For more on the Terrorplex be sure to visit their site at: www.Terrorplex.com

ABOUT TERRORPLEX
Welcome to TERRORPLEX 2009, “It’s a Year for Fear!” Terrorplex offers 4 haunted attractions and other Dark Amusements for the 2009 season starting September 18 – November 1. Our haunted attractions include Midnight Manor, Vanhelsings Haunted House of Wax (New 2009), Heavy Metal Madness (New 2009), and Count Orlock’s Castle of Torture (New 2009). We have an improved festival area with a nightly DJ, psychic reader, Gore Store, concession area, and special appearances by the Twisted Freakshow gang. Come spend and evening with us and we promise it will be a night to remember, in your nightmares that is!!!

Obake-Yashiki Haunted Attraction in Japan Closing Forever

In a world that loves all things spooky, horror, and haunted, many Haunted Attractions open throughout the United States and around the world. Many famed attractions exist in Canada, All over Europe, let’s not forget Disneyland Paris’ Phantom Manor and even at Hanayashiki, Japan’s Oldest Amusement Park.

Well it seems that the dark night and curtain is closed now on the famed Obake-Yashiki Haunted Attraction has now closed forever on January 11, 2010. This past year marked its’ 30th Anniversary.

It was a prize attraction for many to attend and get their scare on in Japan. We are sure it will be missed.

ABOUT THE ATTRACTION:
(courtesy of: BrickMcBurly.com/Kyoto
“I’m sure most of you have seen Ringu or Ju-on. Everythin’ in them is true. This house is infested with spirits just like them. Terrible, terrible things happen here. A group of young ladies found themselves mercilessly hounded by a droolin’, gibberin’ monster that hungrily pawed every inch of their bodies-and that’s just while they were waitin’ outside in line with me. Once inside, the skilled actors and artisans of Toei recreate a sengoku era village that’s been overrun by hungry ghosts, restless spirits, and even zombie ashigaru. Heads fly around, roofs collapse, and the interior of a daimyo mansion is littered with ripped up corpses and blood stained tatami mats. It’s a lot like ‘All You Can Eat’ night at the Sizzler back in the USA.”

2010 Haunters Resolutions

by: RFR Casket Crew Storm

Greetings Deadites,
Well you survived the shopping riots at the malls, holiday dinners with the family, and you resisted eating a robot hamster to make it to the New Year. With a fresh calendar on the wall comes a new chance to live up to those New Year’s Resolutions you make each year. Here are some of the top Haunter’s Resolutions for 2010.

More Blood

Start a Zombie kick ball league

Gross Out another haunter

Give customers nightmares of your character

Capture something other than dust while taking pictures on a ghost hunt

Star in a haunt related reality show

Have everyone else buy you drinks at a haunt convention party

Be the one to buy everyone else drinks at a haunt convention party

See weather reports that do not involve rain in September and October.

Get a raise at the day job to afford some kick ass fangs

Not to “sparkle” in the sunlight

Win the Nobel Prize for Haunt Related Activities

So until next time Deadites, Sit Back, Relax, and Rot Away…

Midwest Haunters Convention Launches NEW Site and Preps for 2010

The Midwest Haunters Convention is a staple in the Haunt Industry for Vendors, Haunters, Owners and more. Rotting Flesh Radio has been attending this event since its very first one and has been a Vendor at the event since 2006. So this comes as no surprise we are excited to attend the upcoming 2010 event. Yes, we will be there again Vending, and be prepared for alot from us there, but we are also excited to bring you all-new developments with the annual Haunters must attend.

The Midwest Haunters Convention is pleased to announce two new partnerships. The first is Chad Savage and Sinister Visions. Many of you a aware of the great work Chad has done and he has once again created a great looking website for MHC! You can see this all new site at: www.MidwestHauntersConvention.com. If you like the Dark work of Chad Savage you can see his full portfolio and services at: www.SinisterVisions.com.

Now on to another partnership. One that is also a common bond with RFR in Ticket Leap. TicketLeap will provide guests with many benefits including the ability to register for MHC at online prices up to and during the show. Once there everyone will enjoy a much quicker check in process thanks to TicketLeaps online system. You find out more and Register on the MHC website and find out more about Ticket Leap at: www.TicketLeap.com/Haunting.

Now in addition to all the crazy fun happening as part of the MHC 2010 event Vendor Registration is NOW OPEN as well. You can view the floor plan. For 2010 MHC will continue to offer some of the lowest rates in the industry. There are a limited number of tabletops for those of you who do not need a full sized booth. Please email Barry Schieferstein or call 614-361-1466 for a registration packet and pricing information.

Stay tuned to Rotting Flesh Radio as we once again are the Official Media Sponsor of the Midwest Haunters Convention, for up to date news and information and coverage of the event.

For more on MHC visit: www.MidwestHauntersConvention.com

Get a FREE signed Christmas Poster from Toxic Toons

Hey there Deadites, with Christmas coming up we have been giving you suggestions for that Haunt or Horror Lover in your life. So it comes as no surprise here is another one.

From NOW until December 31, 2009, when you purchase any merchandise from Toxic Toons valued at $20.00, you will receive 1 Free Signed Full Color Christmas Poster from Toxic Toons and Eric Pigors himself! This poster is an all new design for 2009 and it is done in true Horrific Holiday Fashion.

Now if that wasn’t enough, once you purchase at least $20.00 in merchandise you also get your name entered into the casket to WIN a Signed ORIGINAL Pen and Ink drawing that Eric Pigors drew just for this Holiday Season. Now that is a great way to spread some Horrific Holiday Cheer around your home this Christmas.

This offer goes until the end of the month as listed above and the drawing for the Original Pen and Ink Drawing by Toxic Toons will take place at Midnight by Eric Pigors wife Denise. The winner will be notified on January 1, 2010.

Now here is where you really better those odds. You get entered for EVERY $20.00 in merchandise you purchase.
$20-1 chances to win
$40-2 chances to win
$60- 3 chances to win
$80- 4 chances to win
$100- 5 chances to win and so on.

In addition there are a ton of Creepy Christmas Items and deals from Eric for the month of December from Greeting Cards to Buy 2 prints get the 3rd print free. So spread some Creepy Christmas Cheer to that loved one or even yourself and visit Toxic Toons before the Month Ends.

www.ToxicToons.com

Pale Night Productions End of the Year BLOWOUT!

One of the most talked about vendors this past Haunt Season was Pale Night Productions and most of all their Asylum Door. And we have to admit, that item ruled at every Haunt we toured this season. Well, as the we continue with the RFR 5th Annual Morbidly Merry Christmas Celebration, why not some great Christmas Deals for you?

Pale Night Productions is having a huge BLOWOUT SALE for One Month and One Month only! Pale Night Productions will be offering some great deals on many of their already Low Priced products.

They have a large variety of items including that Asylum Door we mentioned. The Asylum Door is slashed and chopped to $3150 which normally retails for $3750. This animation is the first of it’s kind integrating CGI with an animatronic to create a truly unique effect. When triggered, a ghoul is seen coming down the hallway. She then attempts to break through the glass before hacking at the door with her axe which leaves actual dents in the door. The Asylum Door also comes with a full digital sound track. This prop must be seen to be appreciated.

Price includes pre-programmed control hardware, solid state video player, monitor, flow control valves, digital sound module, 6in. by 23in. mat switch trigger, and all necessary electrical and pneumatic connections. Prop connects to air lines with a 1/4in. male quick connect coupling. Requires 100psi compressed air and 110VAC electrical.

In addition they have their Cold Fogger for only $175. The Cold Fogger is everything you ever wanted from a fog machine and could never have. To begin with, it runs on mere tap water with no additives what so ever so there’s never any fog fluid to constantly replace. In addition, it produces a cold, dry ice like fog in seconds that hugs the floor or surface of your water source and if placed in a container like an oil drum the fog will spill over the sides and cascade to the floor. The effect is amazing and really must be seen to be believed.

There is even more items we have not mentioned so be sure to check out their BLOWOUT SALE page. And to top it off any order placed during this event must be paid in full by 12/31/2009 to receive the discounts listed…but products can be shipped early in 2010, held until the Transworld show for pick-up, or held until closer to haunt season 2010 for shipment. And you can also save on every other product in their entire inventory not listed on the sale page for an additional 10% off the already great retail prices.

For more on Pale Night Productions, the Sales and more Visit: www.PaleNighProductions.com/sale.html