SpookyWorld and Nightmare New England Team Up to Terrorize in 2009

In a monster mash-up, the owners of Mel’s Funway Park, and Nightmare New England have purchased 18-year-old SpookyWorld to create one of America’s largest and most terrifying Halloween scream parks. Nightmare New England is ranked one of the best fright factories in the U.S. and is listed as one of top 12 eerie elite across the nation for 2009 by “America’s Best Haunts,” the nation’s eminent authority on thrill attractions. Haunted Attraction magazine named it one of the “25 must-see haunted attractions” in the U.S.

Watch the video below for a visual update on the news:

Located on 20 acres, the new SpookyWorld / Nightmare New England will introduce three new haunts, bringing the number to seven terrorizing attractions, and ratcheting up fear to a new level.

The haunts at SpookyWorld / Nightmare New England were created with the serious horror junkie in mind. The fright-factor makes the scream park rated PG 13. “We did the research,” says head undertaker, Mike Krausert, who is the director of operations. “We looked at what other attractions were doing across the country. Then we made sure to create what had never been done before in New England.”

SpookyWorld / Nightmare New England expects to attract 72,000 brave visitors in October. Of the 2,000 haunts in the US, just one to two percent are “mega-haunts,” which draw between 40,000 and 80,000 in a season, according to industry statistics.

View the Attractions, which include:
“Buried Alive”
“Raven’s Claw Cemetery”
“Night Feeders”
“House of Eternal Darkness”
“Demented”
“The 3D Freakshow”
“Sleep Stalkers”

Sideshow attractions include: a live metal-grunge band performance, zombie paintball, go-cart racing, mini-golf, food, drink and more. With the vastly expanded “Monster Midway,” doubled concessions, more games and rides, and 25 acres of parking, SpookyWorld / Nightmare New England promises to make Halloween not just a holiday but a destination.

Even the location of this horror fanatic’s nightmare was carefully selected. Situated outside, along the banks and forest of the Merrimack River, visitors of SpookyWorld / Nightmare New England will experience the dark country side as a central character in this twisted trail of terror. SpookyWorld / Nightmare New England is located at 454 Charles Bancroft Highway, Route 3A, Litchfield, N.H., a 45-minute drive northwest of Boston.

Nights of operation are: October 2-4; 9-12; 15-18; 22-25; and 28-31, 2009, from 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets run from $29.99 to $49.99. For more information, visit www.SpookyWorld.com.

Harry Potter Casts a Spell on Boston’s Museum of Science

This fall, Harry Potter fans will get the chance to step inside the famous wizard’s magical world through Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which opens at the Museum of Science, Boston on October 25, 2009, at 9 a.m.  Visitors will be able to experience dramatic displays inspired by the Hogwarts film sets and see the amazing craftsmanship behind authentic costumes and props from the films. Harry Potter: The Exhibition will run in Boston through February 21, 2010.

The Museum of Science is the only New England venue to host the exhibition and the second venue worldwide. Harry Potter: The Exhibition made its highly successful global premiere at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry last April and will run there through September 27, 2009, before traveling to New England. After its Boston run, the exhibition will be displayed in other major cultural and entertainment venues, museums and institutions in the U.S. and internationally.

The 10,000-square-foot exhibition, which will be updated to include artifacts and costumes from the final installments of the Harry Potter film series, once the production of these films has been completed. The sixth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, opened in theaters July 15, 2009.

“Offering an exclusive look at some of the most iconic artifacts and scenic elements from the beloved films, the Museum of Science in Boston will certainly become the hub of excitement for Harry Potter fans when it arrives this October,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition, offers fans a first-hand view at more than 200 authentic artifacts displayed in settings inspired by the film sets—including the Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut, the Gryffindor common room—and more.

“We are thrilled with the reception the exhibition has received in Chicago and we are honored to be able to bring it to one of the greatest museums on the East Coast,” said Eddie Newquist, President, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur Branded Entertainment. “Fans young and old from around the world have given us tremendous positive feedback, and we are hopeful that all the Harry Potter fans in the Boston area will have a chance to visit this one-of-a-kind exhibition.”

“Harry Potter has captivated the imagination of children and adults around the globe. Through the art and technological wizardry of movie-making, the Harry Potter films have brought to life an enchanting and complex world,” said Ioannis Miaoulis, President and Director of the Museum of Science. He added, “As a world-class cultural institution, the Museum is excited to offer our visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world that has so richly bridged cultures and generations. We’re confident that this exhibition will attract visitors of all ages—some of whom may never have visited a science center. This exhibit will spark their curiosity and imagination, leading them to experience the excitement of discovery that’s also at the heart of the Museum’s science and technology exhibits and programs.”

Harry Potter: The Exhibition will open at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2009, and run through Sunday, February 21, 2010. The exhibition requires a time-entry ticket and will be open for guests during the Museum’s regular Exhibit Hall hours: Saturday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets for the exhibition can now be purchased on site at the Museum, through the Museum’s web site mos.org, or by calling 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY). Combination admission into the Museum and Harry Potter: The Exhibition is $26 for adults; $24 for seniors (60 and over); $23 for children (ages 3-11) and $5 for Museum of Science members.

Best 4th of July Fireworks in America

Well it’s that time of the year once again when we as Americans have the privilege to celebrate the birth of our nation. It has been 233 years and counting since the Declaration of Independence was signed by our founding fathers in 1776. Thanks to their dedication and hard work we enjoy freedom and liberty like no other nation in the world. That is a pretty good reason to celebrate! You will find birthday parties across all 50 states for the good old U.S.A on the 4th of July from small-town parades and picnics, concerts and baseball games to huge fireworks displays.

1. Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PA

Here Independence Day is a big deal! When the sun goes down on July 4, Philadelphia will host one of the most amazing free outdoor concerts in America as top performers take to the stage. The music and fun will be followed by a spectacular fireworks grand finale set against the dramatic Art Museum.

2. “Go 4th on the River” – New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is home to the Go 4th on the River Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza! This year will be the 19th year locals and visitors will find a seat near the levy, and watch the fireworks display from two barges over the Mighty Mississippi, choreographed to stirring patriotic classics.

3. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular – Boston, MA

The Boston Pops Orchestra plays an annual 4th of July Concert each year and thousands of people line the banks of the Charles River for the concert and pyrotechnic display each year.

4. Washington Monument – Washington, DC

Starting with a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra the fireworks will begin shortly after 9:00 p.m. painting beautiful strokes of radiant light across the sky with the nation’s monuments in the background.

5. The Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular – New York, NY

Beginning over the East River each year, this celebration is bigger than ever using 120,000 blasts of color and 55 times more fireworks than the average show in the U.S.

6. Lake Tahoe, NV

These fireworks are set off by Pyrodigital Consultants and features a wide variety of patterns, lights, designs and shapes. You can watch these Independence Day fireworks almost anywhere on the lake and music is broadcast from radio stations.

7. Navy Pier – Chicago, IL

Annually the city of Chicago cosponsors the Fourth of July celebration with Navy Pier. Come and enjoy a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Michigan synchronized to patriotic music.

8. H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks – Austin, TX

The Austin Symphony will salute America by perform patriotic music, including the 1812 Overture beginning at 8:30 p.m.,which will feature the shooting of cannons by the Texas National Guard Salute Battery. Then at 9:30 p.m fireworks will be shot over Lady Bird Lake.

9. Gas Works Park – Seattle, WA

Seattle salutes America with an extravagant fireworks show over Lake Union which is classically set to traditional anthems, classic oldies and current hits.

10. Coronado Fireworks Display – Coronado, CA

This is a family friendly event located on the island of Coronado in the San Diego Bay. This city offers visitors a unique vantage point from which to watch the fireworks paint the sky!

Whether you choose to attend one of these celebrations or one in you own home town, make sure to take a moment or two to reflect on the meaning of the 4th of July. I’m your host Allison Davis, until next time… sit back, relax with your family, and enjoy the show!

Road Trips and Family Visits Become the New Trend in American Vacations

The great American road trip is back. After years of extravagant, keep-up-with-the-Jones’ trips, more people are strapping down and simplifying their vacations because of the economy.

With the holiday weekend approaching, a new Mintel survey reveals over six in 10 people drove their own car—instead of flying—to their last vacation destination. And they didn’t go anywhere overly glamorous: 62% said they spent recent vacations with family and friends. Only 30% went to beaches and 30% visited cities. In 2007 when the economy was stronger, fewer people reported vacationing with family and friends (56%), while a full 42% went to cities.

Once at vacation destinations, two in five people (42%) said they lodged with friends or relatives. Just over half (51%) stayed in a hotel, but that pales in comparison to the 80% that said they stayed in hotels in 2007. Mintel’s recent survey also reveals people vacationing closer to home (57%), taking shorter trips (56%) and utilizing cheaper forms of transportation (64%) because of the economic downturn.

“The recession is undoubtedly making more Americans shop aggressively for travel deals and cut corners,” states Chris Haack, senior analyst at Mintel. “As people try to save money, we see a rising trend towards simpler, more ‘homespun’ vacations. We’ve even seen an increase in zoo and local theme park attendance. People can justify shorter trips with fewer excesses, as long as they still have the opportunity to relax and have fun.”

Mintel’s survey points to relaxation as the number one goal of vacationers: nearly three in four (72%) said they consider being able to relax completely as an essential vacation element. On the contrary, only one in three (34%) rank a “high standard of accommodation and facilities” as essential to their enjoyment.

In the past 12 months, 40% of survey respondents didn’t travel domestically; many cited financial reasons.

It’s Time for the Annual South Carolina Campground Cookoff

The Old 96 District Tourism Commission will again host the 2009 South Carolina Campground Cookoff on September 18-20, 2009 at Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area on Lake Richard B. Russell in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina. This event is a partnership between the Old 96 District Tourism Commission and the Parks Division of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The Old 96 District Tourism Commission is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism and travel opportunities in the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick, South Carolina.

Campers who love to cook are encouraged to enter and compete to become “King of the Campground Cooks!” Participants must be 16 years of age, submit a $40 entry fee and stay two nights at Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area. Contestants may enter one of two categories: main dish or dessert. Food must be prepared from scratch and cooked over a fire of either wood or charcoal.

No gas grills are allowed. Cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 will be awarded in each category. Applications must be received by August 1, 2009.

Three nationally-known celebrity judges — Shannon Kohn, Recipe Developer and Food Writer; Annette Thompson, Associate Travel Editor for Southern Living and Charles Mattocks aka “The Poor Chef,” who has recently appeared on The TODAY Show, will crown the winners.

Charles Wood, an award winning banjo player and 1998 Merlefest Banjo Champion and winner of the 1999 Walnut Valley National Banjo Championship, will perform during the Iron Skillet Hoedown on Friday night. Exhibitors will be on hand to demonstrate their products.

Summer Travel Increases for Memorial Day

AAA today projected the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Memorial Day holiday weekend will increase 1.5 percent from 2008 with approximately 32.4 million travelers taking a trip of 50 or more miles away from home. Last year, 31.9 million Americans traveled during the same period; a dramatic decline from the 35.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.

“Last year, soaring gas prices and a deteriorating economy resulted in far fewer trips being taken than had been forecasted,” said Randy Williams, president, AAA Minnesota/Iowa. “The good news is sharply lower gasoline prices and plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this summer which should help tourism-based economic activity throughout the nation.” Approximately one in seven Americans is employed directly or indirectly by the hospitality and travel industry, Williams said.

AAA’s projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. The economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA earlier this year to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2009 Memorial Day holiday forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

Average spending will top $1,000; average distance traveled will be 620 miles

The average distance traveled by Americans this Memorial Day holiday weekend is forecast to be approximately 620 miles, AAA reported. This is a slight decrease from 2008 when the average distance traveled was expected to be 640 miles. Average spending is estimated to be $1,052 this Memorial Day.

Nearly 60 percent of Americans will spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday, and traveling as a family will be the most popular way to go with 34 percent of travelers making a journey with children or other family members.

Dolly Parton Unveils Sha-Kon-O-Hey! at Dollywood

Dolly Parton showcased her songwriting in her second musical production in as many weeks at the Dollywood premiere of Sha-Kon-O-Hey!—Land of Blue Smoke on Saturday, May 9.  Billed as “a show as big as the Great Smoky Mountains,” the $1 million production is the largest and most elaborate in the theme park’s 24-year history.

“Having grown up and lived in the heart of these beautiful mountains, my love for this area is deep, genuine and heartfelt,” Parton said. “Sha-Kon-O-Hey! celebrates the wonderful people, music and proud heritage of this spectacular place.”

Sha-Kon-O-Hey is derived from the Cherokee name for the Smoky Mountains meaning “land of blue smoke.”

The new show coincides with the 75^th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for which Parton is the official international ambassador.

Parton wrote the eight songs featured in the show. She recently released a CD entitled Sha-Kon-O-Hey! which includes all eight songs. Proceeds from first-year sales of the CD benefit Friends of the Smokies, a non-profit organization devoted to preserving and protecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness. The CD is available for purchase at Dollywood or dollywood.com.

Guided by Parton’s heartfelt songs, Sha-Kon-O-Hey! takes audiences back to a time of great change in the Smoky Mountains during the 1930s. The captivating story is a musical journey to the hidden land of Sha-Kon-O-Hey where a wizened storyteller guides a reluctant family as it bids farewell to the area that eventually becomes Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 45-minute production features a cast of eight singer/dancers and 10 acrobats plus a six-piece live band with fully orchestrated accompaniment. The musical introduces audiences to the settlers, the rail and lumbermen, the Cherokee warriors and the shiners while capturing the spirit of the mountains and the rich heritage of the people who call them home.

Upon entering the theater, guests are greeted by a cascading waterfall which is the gateway to the land of Sha-Kon-O-Hey. In addition to the stunning waterfall and lush set, Sha-Kon-O-Hey! incorporates scenic elements and stage effects never before seen at Dollywood. The musical reaches a dramatic culmination as the action unfolds amid the audience with the aid of state-of-the-art special effects.

Experience a Free Family Film Festival

Regal Entertainment, the largest theatre circuit in the country, today announced details of Regal’s 2009 Free Family Film Festival. During this 9-week festival, more than 300 Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres offer selected G and PG rated movies for free on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am.

Participating theatres offer free film titles such as Hotel for Dogs, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, and Shrek the Third. Check local theatre listings for film selection at specific theatres. Concession items are available and there is a special “Kids Reel Meal” combo pack available. Regal’s Free Family Film Festival has been an annual summer event since 1991.

The Free Family Film Festival also allows Regal the opportunity to sponsor the Boys & Girls Clubs of America “Mornings at the Movies” program. The Regal Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity established by Regal Entertainment Group, provides monetary grants to local Boys & Girls Clubs to enable them to bring kids to theatres to enjoy the free movies.

“Now in its 19^th year, Regal’s Free Family Film Festival has become an annual tradition for moviegoers across the country. This year, more than ever, we are proud to offer families a weekly trip to the movies for free,” stated Dick Westerling, Regal Entertainment Group Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. “During our Free Family Film Festival, we also provide grants for transportation to the movies for numerous Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. We certainly value our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the opportunity to help many children enjoy big screen entertainment for free.”

For a list of participating locations and dates, click here. In addition to the free films, many theatres will have other exciting events, displays and demonstrations during the festival days.