by Katie SLYTER
October, 2007
The Haunted Mines is the newest and best haunted house attraction yet! It is guaranteed to make your spine chill and your body shake! When asked how she liked the whole haunted mines experience, Kelsi Fryt responded, "It was a lot scarier than I thought it was going to be. I mean, it has lots and lots of twists and turns."
There really are so many surprises to those who have not yet experienced the total terror of the mines. Nobody ever suspects that they will have to actually crawl in a mine shaft and go into an actual elevator. Though that might sound unappealing, so many customers actually leave the haunt commenting on how those two attractions were the most fun and exciting.
When asked first hand how the people responded to the mines, James Dougherty, the haunt manager responded with, "You know, we always ask the customers at the end of the haunt for their comments and concerns, and they always respond saying that they loved it! They loved the realism of the mine shaft and the "hellevator's" realistic feeling." People's favorite part of the whole haunt is the town area. This is where the "goons" really get to interact with the people by trying to sell some "snake oil," having some fun in the bar, seeing a "puppet show," and having some fun with Dr. Butcher.
When visiting the mines, people have to remember to wear warm clothes, and tennis shoes. People never know when they will have to run away from the next goon that pops up at them from around the corner.
This whole organization is completely non profit. All of the money that is earned this year and every year after that is all going to the historical Western Mining Museum. Of course, some of the money will be given back to the builders to improve and keep the Haunt up to date for the next years.
Steve Roscio (construction and partner) and Cathy Roscio (support and partner) are the ones behind the whole haunt business. They have been putting this haunt together for about two years. Not just by themselves though, but with many volunteers and other partners as well. Tim Wittwer is a technician of the haunt and is resposible for so many of the great special effects, along with Drew Sanford who was responsible for most of the props used in the show. Troy Burbidge, also one of the partners, has been such a big help in the building process of the whole project. Now that the haunt is actually in "action"he is the head of security. Frank Dougherty is the main artist of the whole project. All of the artwork and creati ve aspects around the whole haunt was created by him. He also does all of the makeup for all ofthe actors of the haunt. It's hard work and he has stuck with the whole project through thick and thin ... paint.
Most of the actors of the whole operation are high school students from all around Colorado Springs. Some are family. Most of them are from Pine Creek, Palmer, and Air Academy. Lisa Morelos is the drama teacher at Air Academy and has done such a great job in preparing all of the actors for their scaring debuts. A lot of people get confused as well on the themes and objectives ofthis haunt. It is not all about just scaring people with gory scenes, it is about entertaining them and wanting them to have a good time. When people go to the haunted mines they will not see any characters eating guts or running at you with knives covered in blood. It is fun and scary without being stomach turning. People will just have to see for themselves! Below is a discount ticket for any Pine Creek student that wants to have a good time. Just cut it out and present it to the ticket booth at the entrance and remember to have fun!
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