Scream Stimulus Plan - America's Best Haunts

Halloween Stimulus

‘America’s Best Haunts’ Scare Up $1 Million Scream Stimulus Package for the Economically-weary

-- 10 top U.S. thrill attractions provide free admission for those in need --

HOUSTON (August 31, 2009) . . . Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse. Just when you thought you couldn’t be more horrified.   Economically-weary Americans have had enough. If nine percent unemployment doesn’t make you want to scream, then this will.   America’s Best Haunts of 2009 have taken a stand to scare up a $1 million dollar “Scream Stimulus” package that is certain to scare the “yell” of you.

The Halloween haunted house season officially opens across America Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26. During opening weekend, 10 top thrill attractions named as 2009 recipients of America’s Best Haunts seal of approval, will provide complimentary tickets to the unemployed and their families, and in certain cities active military families, and those overworked citizens such as firemen and policemen who could use a little stimulus of their own: to scream their heads off!

“In these hard economic times, it is understandable that people are scared,” said Steve Kopelman of America’s Best Haunts. “But screaming and laughter actually relieves stress, and that is part of the fun of haunted houses.   Today’s eerie economic challenges provide a similar experience. You go in scared, you courageously face what’s put in front of you, and you feel relief when you make it to the other side.   If our country’s top thrill attractions can help Americans in need to face their fears and scream out their frustrations, we take pride in providing some relief,” he said.

America’s Best Haunts estimates over 40,000 citizens across the Unites States will benefit from the $1,000,000.00 in complimentary tickets provided for the “Scream Stimulus.” Participating attractions include: Woods of Terror (Greensboro, NC), Thrillvania (Terrell, TX), ScreamWorld (Houston, TX), The Nest (Phoenix, AZ), The TerrorFest (Columbus, OH), Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, PA), House of Horrors (Buffalo, NY), Nightmare New England (Litchfield, NH), Bennett’s Curse (Baltimore, MD), and Terror on the Fox (Green Bay, WI).

All locations are providing free admission for the unemployed (at least 18 years of age), while The Nest (Phoenix, AZ), Thrillvania (Terrell, TX), ScreamWorld (Houston, TX), The TerrorFest (Columbus, OH) and Woods of Terror (Greensboro, NC) offers will include tickets for firemen, policemen, active military and their families.   To qualify, the unemployed must show a current pay stub or other formal state identification that verifies their receipt of unemployment benefits. Firemen, police and military families must present their government issued identification cards.

Complimentary ticket distribution varies by location from one to four admissions per family.
For detailed information concerning America’s Best Haunts Scream Stimulus Package including participating attraction proof of status requirements and ticket limitations by attraction, please visit www.americansbesthaunts.com.

About America’s Best Haunts
Established in 2007, Americas Best Haunts (www.americasbesthaunts.com) is the only expert resource of its kind, identifying the most superior haunted attractions in the country for today’s discerning fright lovers.

SCREAM STIMULUS PACKAGE PARTICIPANTS

The Nest (Phoenix, AZ)
The Nest moves west. After a one year hiatus, the critically acclaimed haunted house, The Nest, has moved to CJS Film studios in Avondale. With a new, much larger and detailed venue, The Nest will incorporate movie studio sets into Arizona’s largest and best haunted attraction. Experience the place where legendary serial killer Jacob Kell was born with state of the art special effects and nearly 100 actors. www.Frightened.com

Address:
CJS Film Studios, 2005 N 103rd Ave Phoenix, AZ 85392

Scream Stimulus offer: Unemployed (ages 18+), firemen, police, active military plus 3 family members Check stub or

Proof of unemployment: unemployment or government card

Requirements to redeem Bring proof to Box Office during normal business hours; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption September 25 and 26

Maximum tickets: 4000tickets / day X $25 value each = $200,000 value

Media Contact: Ania Kubicki, ania@anglespr.com 480.656.8388

Thrillvania (Terrell, TX)Located 20 miles east of Dallas, Thrillvania is one of the most decorated haunted attractions in the world. With 50 acres encompassing eight attractions, a midway and a haunted store, Thrillvania frightens more than 20,000 “victims” each year. The cornerstone of this fear farm is Verdun Manor, a two-story haunted house originally designed by Disney Imaginers and said to boast more props per square foot than any other haunt in the country.
www.Thrillvania.com
972-52-HAUNT

Address:
2330 County Road 138, Terrell, TX 75160

Scream Stimulus offer: Ticket for unemployed (age 18+) and firemen, police, active military and up to 3 family members

Proof of unemployment: Either a check stub / unemployment or government card

Requirements to redeem Bring proof to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption September 25 and 26

Maximum tickets: 8000 tickets X $25 value each = $200,000 value

Media Contact: Robin Cavanaugh, robincavanaugh@comcast.net, 713.851.4478

Woods of Terror (Greensboro, NC)
What began as a mere haunted trail 18 years ago, is now one of the leading and top ranked haunted attractions in the U.S. Today, a staggering 20,000 visitors a year - young and old, from near and far - pay to roam 20 acres of pure terror while seeking the thrill ofthe ultimate adrenaline rush: fear.
www.woodsofterror.com 336-286-9396

Address:
5601 N. Church St, Greensboro, NC 27455

Scream Stimulus offer:
First 1,000 unemployed (age 18+), firemen, police, active military and up to 3 family members

Proof of unemployment: Either a check stub / unemployment or government card

Requirements to redeem
Bring proof to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption September 25 and 26

Maximum tickets: 8000tickets X $25 value each = $200,000 value

Media Contact: Deborah Bryant, bryant3@bellsouth.net, 336-286-2163

ScreamWorld (Houston, TX)
Since 1989, ScreamWorld has been the premier home for horror in Houston with three haunted houses, an outdoor maze, a cemetery, and roaming creepy characters. Continually named Houston’s No. 1 Haunted Attraction by both the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Press, ScreamWorld provides the most mayhem for the money to its 30,000 annual guests.

www.screamworld.com 713-914-1313

Address:
2225 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W. Houston, TX. 77038

Scream Stimulus offer: First 1,000 unemployed (age 18+), firemen, police, active military and up to 3 family members

Proof of unemployment: Either a check stub / unemployment card

Requirements to redeem Bring proof to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption September 25 and 26

Maximum tickets: 8000tickets X $25 value each = $200,000 value

Media Contact: Robin Cavanaugh, robincavanaugh@comcast.net, 713.851.4478

The Terrorfest (Columbus, OH) Formerly the critically-acclaimed “House of Nightmares” haunted house, The Terrorfest has had fear facelift. With a new, more terrorizing theme, diabolically-detailed sets, state of the art effects and a core of more than 60 dedicated actors, The Terrorfest is destined to bring a new level of haunting excellence to the Columbus brewery district.
www.TheTerrorFest.com

Address:
477 S. Front St. Columbus, OH 43215

Scream Stimulus offer: Unemployed (18+), firemen, police, active military plus 3 family members

Proof of unemployment: Either a check stub / unemployment or government card

Requirements to redeem Bring proof to Box Office during normal business hours; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption September 25 and 26

Maximum tickets: 4000tickets / day X $17 value each = $136,000 value

Media Contact: Christopher T. Smith, (937) 278-0681, chris@ponweb.com

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, PA)
Billed as a haunted house inside a state prison, this lost world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers stands behind the Eastern State Penitentiary’s massive 30-foot high walls. This is home to Terror Behind the Walls, ranked the “Number 1 Haunted House in the U.S.” by AOL City Guide, and labeled “perfect for Halloween” by the New York Times.

www.EasternState.org (215) 236-3300

Address:

2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130

Scream Stimulus offer: Up to 2 tickets for unemployed for Terror Behind the Walls until 1,000 tickets distributed; age 18+

Proof of unemployment: Current letter of benefits dated August or September 2009

Pick up Voucher: Sept. 25 at Lukoil Gas Station, 600 N. Delaware Ave

Requirements to redeem Bring Scream Stimulus Voucher to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption October 14 or 15, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Maximum tickets: 1000tickets X $20 value each = $20,000 value

Media Contact: Ellen Gilbert Feist, ef@EasternState.org, (215) 236-5111 x15

Nightmare New England (Litchfield, NH)
This year, New England’s legendary Spookyworld joins Nightmare New England to forge one of the largest and most terrifying Halloween Scream Parks in the country. The scale and variety of this mega-park offers something to thrill even the boldest of Halloween fanatics. Nightmare New England and Spookyworld feature seven terrifying haunted attractions and a “Monster Midway” where dozens of freakish characters freely roam the grounds and lurk around every corner. www.NightmareNewEngland.com

Address:
454 Charles Bancroft Highway Litchfield, N.H. 03052

Scream Stimulus offer: 1 ticket per unemployed (ages 18+)

Proof of unemployment: Must present ticket and proof of unemployment. 1 ticket per Individual

Requirements to redeem Tickets may be picked up on site at Nightmare New England ticket booths on Friday October 2nd or Saturday October 3rd. (6:00 p.m. – 11:00p.m.)

Dates for redemption Tickets good for Sunday October 4th (7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)

Maximum tickets: 1000tickets X $29.99 value each = $29,990 value

Media Contact: Katie Stinchon Teak Media Communications 416 West Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 -
PH: 617.269.7171

The House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs (Buffalo, NY)
Known for scaring the yell out of you, The House of Horrors has zombies, demons, vampires, psycho killers, and the living dead creeping around every corner. Celebrating its 17th season, the Haunted Catacombs guarantees fear-in-your-face special effects, amazing animations, and Hollywood-style sets that will have make your jaw drop and your heart race.

www.TheHouseOfHorrors.com 716-656-1313

Address:
114 French Rd. (French and Union Garden Village Plaza) Cheektowaga, NY 14227

Scream Stimulus offer: 1 ticket per unemployed (ages 18+) with 500 per day

Proof of unemployment: Bank statement showing current week’s deposit

Requirements to redeem Bring statement to Box Office at The House Of Horrors; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption September 25 and 26

Maximum tickets: 1000tickets X $20 value each = $20,000 value

Media Contact: Tim Bunch, thehorrorbizness@aol.com, 716-913-7103

Bennett's Curse (Baltimore, MD)
Featuring the Legendary House of the Vampyres, Bennett’s Curse is the only medieval vampire knight themed haunted house in the world. Original scenes, enthusiastic actors, and state of the art special effects combine to create an unforgettable experience that will keep you screaming for more. www.bennettscurse.com 410-538-6461

Address:
7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076

Scream Stimulus offer: 1 ticket per unemployed until 400 tickets distributed; age 18+

Proof of unemployment: Sept. check stub from Unemployment Office; ID / MDL / age

Requirements to redeem Show stub and proof at Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption Friday, September 25 and Sunday, September 27, NOT VALID SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Maximum tickets: 400tickets X $20 value each = $8,000 value

Media Contact: Allan Bennett, allan@bennettscurse.com, 410-322-5276 Jill Bennett. jill@bennettscurse.com, 410-926-6823

Terror on the Fox (Greenbay, WI)
The terror continues at Wisconsin’s premier thrill attraction as it celebrates its 13th season. With four haunts from an asylum to the pitch-dark void, the torment is pure torture. Terror on the Fox is sure to put you on the edge when you discover you are virtually trapped inside yourself. www.terroronthefox.com 920-430-1844

Address:
2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304

Scream Stimulus offer: 2 general admission tickets for unemployed; ages 18+

Proof of unemployment: Latest pay stub from Department of Workforce Development for Unemployment

Requirements to redeem Bring statement to Box Office during regular business hours;Tickets to first come, first served

Dates for redemption Saturday, September 26

Maximum tickets: 250tickets X $14 value each = $3,500 value

Media Contact: Mike Parpovich, beaker@terroronthefox.com, 608-669-6804

The Nest (Phoenix, AZ) The Nest moves west. After a one year hiatus, the critically acclaimed haunted house, The Nest, has moved to CJS Film studios in Avondale. With a new, much larger and detailed venue, The Nest will incorporate movie studio sets into Arizona’s largest and best haunted attraction. Experience the place where legendary serial killer Jacob Kell was born with state of the art special effects and nearly 100 actors. www.Frightened.com
Address:	CJS Film Studios, 2005 N 103rd Ave Phoenix, AZ 85392
Scream Stimulus offer:	Unemployed (ages 18+), firemen, police, active military plus 3 family members Check stub or
Proof of unemployment:	unemployment or government card
Requirements to redeem	Bring proof to Box Office during normal business hours; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	September 25 and 26
Maximum tickets:	4000tickets / day X $25 value each = $200,000 value
Media Contact:	Ania Kubicki, ania@anglespr.com 480.656.8388

Thrillvania (Terrell, TX)Located 20 miles east of Dallas, Thrillvania is one of the most decorated haunted attractions in the world. With 50 acres encompassing eight attractions, a midway and a haunted store, Thrillvania frightens more than 20,000 “victims” each year. The cornerstone of this fear farm is Verdun Manor, a two-story haunted house originally designed by Disney Imaginers and said to boast more props per square foot than any other haunt in the country. www.Thrillvania.com 972-52-HAUNT
Address:	2330 County Road 138, Terrell, TX 75160
Scream Stimulus offer:	Ticket for unemployed (age 18+) and firemen, police, active military and up to 3 family members
Proof of unemployment:	Either a check stub / unemployment or government card
Requirements to redeem	Bring proof to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	September 25 and 26
Maximum tickets:	8000 tickets X $25 value each = $200,000 value
Media Contact:	Robin Cavanaugh, robincavanaugh@comcast.net, 713.851.4478

Woods of Terror (Greensboro, NC) What began as a mere haunted trail 18 years ago, is now one of the leading and top ranked haunted attractions in the U.S. Today, a staggering 20,000 visitors a year - young and old, from near and far - pay to roam 20 acres of pure terror while seeking the thrill ofthe ultimate adrenaline rush: fear. www.woodsofterror.com 336-286-9396
Address:	5601 N. Church St, Greensboro, NC 27455
Scream Stimulus offer:	First 1,000 unemployed (age 18+), firemen, police, active military and up to 3 family members
Proof of unemployment:	Either a check stub / unemployment or government card
Requirements to redeem	Bring proof to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	September 25 and 26
Maximum tickets:	8000tickets X $25 value each = $200,000 value
Media Contact:	Deborah Bryant, bryant3@bellsouth.net, 336-286-2163

ScreamWorld (Houston, TX) Since 1989, ScreamWorld has been the premier home for horror in Houston with three haunted houses, an outdoor maze, a cemetery, and roaming creepy characters. Continually named Houston’s No. 1 Haunted Attraction by both the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Press, ScreamWorld provides the most mayhem for the money to its 30,000 annual guests. www.screamworld.com 713-914-1313
Address:	2225 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W. Houston, TX. 77038
Scream Stimulus offer:	First 1,000 unemployed (age 18+), firemen, police, active military and up to 3 family members
Proof of unemployment:	Either a check stub / unemployment card
Requirements to redeem	Bring proof to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	September 25 and 26
Maximum tickets:	8000tickets X $25 value each = $200,000 value
Media Contact:	Robin Cavanaugh, robincavanaugh@comcast.net, 713.851.4478

The Terrorfest (Columbus, OH) Formerly the critically-acclaimed “House of Nightmares” haunted house, The Terrorfest has had fear facelift. With a new, more terrorizing theme, diabolically-detailed sets, state of the art effects and a core of more than 60 dedicated actors, The Terrorfest is destined to bring a new level of haunting excellence to the Columbus brewery district. www.TheTerrorFest.com
Address:	477 S. Front St. Columbus, OH 43215
Scream Stimulus offer:	Unemployed (18+), firemen, police, active military plus 3 family members
Proof of unemployment:	Either a check stub / unemployment or government card
Requirements to redeem	Bring proof to Box Office during normal business hours; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	September 25 and 26
Maximum tickets:	4000tickets / day X $17 value each = $136,000 value
Media Contact:	Christopher T. Smith, (937) 278-0681, chris@ponweb.com

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, PA) Billed as a haunted house inside a state prison, this lost world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers stands behind the Eastern State Penitentiary’s massive 30-foot high walls. This is home to Terror Behind the Walls, ranked the “Number 1 Haunted House in the U.S.” by AOL City Guide, and labeled “perfect for Halloween” by the New York Times. www.EasternState.org (215) 236-3300
Address:	2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
	2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Scream Stimulus offer:	Up to 2 tickets for unemployed for Terror Behind the Walls until 1,000 tickets distributed; age 18+
Proof of unemployment:	Current letter of benefits dated August or September 2009
Pick up Voucher:	Sept. 25 at Lukoil Gas Station, 600 N. Delaware Ave
Requirements to redeem	Bring Scream Stimulus Voucher to Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	October 14 or 15, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Maximum tickets:	1000tickets X $20 value each = $20,000 value
Media Contact:	Ellen Gilbert Feist, ef@EasternState.org, (215) 236-5111 x15

Nightmare New England (Litchfield, NH) This year, New England’s legendary Spookyworld joins Nightmare New England to forge one of the largest and most terrifying Halloween Scream Parks in the country. The scale and variety of this mega-park offers something to thrill even the boldest of Halloween fanatics. Nightmare New England and Spookyworld feature seven terrifying haunted attractions and a “Monster Midway” where dozens of freakish characters freely roam the grounds and lurk around every corner. www.NightmareNewEngland.com
Address:	454 Charles Bancroft Highway Litchfield, N.H. 03052
Scream Stimulus offer:	1 ticket per unemployed (ages 18+)
Proof of unemployment:	Must present ticket and proof of unemployment. 1 ticket per Individual
Requirements to redeem	Tickets may be picked up on site at Nightmare New England ticket booths on Friday October 2nd or Saturday October 3rd. (6:00 p.m. – 11:00p.m.)
Dates for redemption	Tickets good for Sunday October 4th (7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
Maximum tickets:	1000tickets X $29.99 value each = $29,990 value
Media Contact:	Katie Stinchon Teak Media Communications 416 West Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 - PH: 617.269.7171

The House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs (Buffalo, NY) Known for scaring the yell out of you, The House of Horrors has zombies, demons, vampires, psycho killers, and the living dead creeping around every corner. Celebrating its 17th season, the Haunted Catacombs guarantees fear-in-your-face special effects, amazing animations, and Hollywood-style sets that will have make your jaw drop and your heart race. www.TheHouseOfHorrors.com 716-656-1313
Address:	114 French Rd. (French and Union Garden Village Plaza) Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Scream Stimulus offer:	1 ticket per unemployed (ages 18+) with 500 per day
Proof of unemployment:	Bank statement showing current week’s deposit
Requirements to redeem	Bring statement to Box Office at The House Of Horrors; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	September 25 and 26
Maximum tickets:	1000tickets X $20 value each = $20,000 value
Media Contact:	Tim Bunch, thehorrorbizness@aol.com, 716-913-7103

Bennett's Curse (Baltimore, MD) Featuring the Legendary House of the Vampyres, Bennett’s Curse is the only medieval vampire knight themed haunted house in the world. Original scenes, enthusiastic actors, and state of the art special effects combine to create an unforgettable experience that will keep you screaming for more. www.bennettscurse.com 410-538-6461
Address:	7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076
Scream Stimulus offer:	1 ticket per unemployed until 400 tickets distributed; age 18+
Proof of unemployment:	Sept. check stub from Unemployment Office; ID / MDL / age
Requirements to redeem	Show stub and proof at Box Office during regular business hours; tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	Friday, September 25 and Sunday, September 27, NOT VALID SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Maximum tickets:	400tickets X $20 value each = $8,000 value
Media Contact:	Allan Bennett, allan@bennettscurse.com, 410-322-5276 Jill Bennett. jill@bennettscurse.com, 410-926-6823

Terror on the Fox (Greenbay, WI) The terror continues at Wisconsin’s premier thrill attraction as it celebrates its 13th season. With four haunts from an asylum to the pitch-dark void, the torment is pure torture. Terror on the Fox is sure to put you on the edge when you discover you are virtually trapped inside yourself. www.terroronthefox.com 920-430-1844
Address:	2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
Scream Stimulus offer:	2 general admission tickets for unemployed; ages 18+
Proof of unemployment:	Latest pay stub from Department of Workforce Development for Unemployment
Requirements to redeem	Bring statement to Box Office during regular business hours;Tickets to first come, first served
Dates for redemption	Saturday, September 26
Maximum tickets:	250tickets X $14 value each = $3,500 value
Media Contact:	Mike Parpovich, beaker@terroronthefox.com, 608-669-6804