Submitted by First Parish on Bedford Common
What’s different about the Haunted House at the Old Church on the Common? The noticeable lack of gore. So many Halloween events focus on blood and guts, but you will not find that at the First Parish Haunted House. Blood and Guts is an easy, cheap way to be scary. “It’s easy to be gross. It’s hard to be scary and not gory”, says Karl Winkler, the brains behind the First Parish Haunted House. “I remember a quote from Jerry Seinfeld about how easy it was to be funny by swearing all the time. The real art was being funny without being gross.”
Winkler says it’s the same way at Halloween events, and that specifically not being gory is one of the hallmarks that makes the First Parish Haunted House so special. Instead, darkness, lighting, sound, special effects and props, live actors, and the element of surprise are utilized to create spooky atmosphere, build anticipation, and startle the visitors.
Images (c) First Parish Haunted House, 2016 all rights reserved
This year’s theme, the Bedford Alchemists’ Society, picks up from previous years and marks the return of the Dungeon of Doom. Guests will be led through differently themed rooms on 3 different floors, interacting with various Alchemists, their creations, and the magical objects they’ve collected from around the world.
The First Parish Haunted House is considered a “scary” PG to PG-13 event on Friday and Saturday nights, but will host a “not scary” daytime event on Saturday afternoon for young visitors. Kids and their parents can trick or treat their way through the 199-year-old meeting house, enjoying all the great rooms in full daylight, without the scary actors or special effects. A friendly costumed character will hand out treats in each of the rooms.
The First Parish Haunted House has become a Halloween tradition. Past visitors have commented how professional everything is and that it’s a fun time for all ages. One visitor noted, “The rooms really are amazing! There really isn’t anything else like this. I can’t wait to come back!”
Just the Facts
What: First Parish Haunted House
Two nights of fright. One afternoon of Tricks and Treats
When: October 28th and 29th
For older kids, teens, and adults: 6 to 9:30 pm both nights
For the little ones: Trick or treating from 11 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday
Where: First Parish in Bedford
75 The Great Road on Bedford Common, Bedford MA 01730
How much: Adults, $12 ~ Children 3-14 years, $8 ~ Seniors, $10
Admission includes one entry into ALL events. Children’s ticket includes 1 complementary ticket for the Three Brooms Gaming Room. Special treats, snacks and beverages will be on sale in the Cracked Cauldron.
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