Looking for a Halloween Scare? Treat Yourself to ScreamFest

ScreamFest is a Halloween attraction located in Calgary, AB, Canada. This is a guest post by The Oracle.

October is a great time for mystics. It is one of the few times we get to
travel freely between the Nether World and the Earth Realm. Most of us try
to get home to the Nether Realm to enjoy our huge party “Centennial
Celebration.” Unfortunately, this year I was not able to be there.  Three
of my dearest friends in the Earth Realm invited me to go with them to
“ScreamFest.” They told me that Halloween themed fun included games, rides,
and haunted houses. From what they said, I thought it might be a little
dark but I was so homesick and feeling sorry for myself. I decided to give
it a try.

This is a very popular event and line-ups are typically quite long. General
admission is $25 but my friends recommended that I spring for the extra $20
to purchase a Speed Pass. So I did and received a bracelet and 16 tokens to
use as I pleased. No waiting in line for me!

We entered the grandstand building and had a quick look around. We decided
that we would explore the six haunted houses that were included in the
price of admission first so headed outside where they were located. “What
Lies Beneath” was the first house we toured and we were very impressed. At
the end of the day, we decided that this was our favorite attraction.

As we explored the outdoor attractions, we found the “Monster Truck Rides.”
Although it cost a whopping 12 tokens, we decided we had to give it a try.
After a brief wait, the four of us climbed into the very front of the large
vehicle. Immediately after buckling our seat belts, we began one of the
most exciting rides of our life. The spins, skids, donuts, and the speed are
not something we encounter in our everyday lives. It was like riding a
dragon except we did not actually fly. It only felt like it. I ran into an
unexpected visitor from the Nether World.

Andromeda, the Princess of Dragons, is a minor celebrity in our world. She
is named after Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, and the wife
of Perseus. Andromeda was chained naked to a rock near the port city of
Jaffa and Perseus rescued and then married her. She had a long life and
many children. After her death, she was placed among the constellations in
the northern sky near Perseus and Cassiopeia. Her namesake, the Princess of
Dragons, is a bit of a loner but every now and again she does briefly visit
the Earth Realm to walk anonymously and explore this world. We did get to
speak to her and shake her hand but she had to leave rather quickly. She
did not enjoy the crowds and all the noise. It was a thrill to meet
her.

We went back into the grandstand building to experience the games, more
rides and haunted houses. I tried the “Witches Brew Game” and the “Archery
Game.” No prizes for me but I did have fun. We tried a couple of rides.
“The Screamer” is an aptly named orbital apparatus that spins in every
direction so fast that you feel you have entered another dimension.
“Neighbors from Hell” was a 3D ride that required you to flee from hellish
demons that are definitely out to kill you.  We toured the haunted houses
“Mad House” and “Buried Alive.” We also saw zombies, a shape shifting
gorilla woman, and a magician. We made it out alive. Will you?

In the 4 ½ hours we were there, we did not take in all the available
attractions. This is not an inexpensive evening out. Admission plus 16
tokens cost $45. Visiting the outdoor haunted houses was included in
admission and did not require tokens. The two indoor haunted houses costs four
tokens each. Monster Truck Ride cost 12 tokens and other rides were eight
tokens each. Games were generally four tokens each. Food services were limited
and costly, so I did not indulge. I estimate my total cost to be $70.

To enjoy the experience, it’s necessary to leave your “grown up,
responsible, judgemental, adult” self at home. Come prepared to laugh,
scream, jump, and defend yourself and your friends with your purse if
necessary and you will have a wonderful time. We all certainly escaped our
real world and left with smiles on our faces. Will I go back next year?
Absolutely. It was Spooktackular!

For more information on ScreamFest, visit screamfest.ca.