USS Hornet Hosts Monster Bash

 ALAMEDA – The USS Hornet, one of the most popular ghost sites in the country, will live up to its haunted reputation at its legendary Monster Bash extravaganza on Saturday, Oct. 30. This year's big event begins at 7:30 p.m. onboard the ship, located at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3 in Alameda.

Bring the whole family to this festive Halloween party, which features costume contests for kids and adults, a scary Haunted Hospital, dancing and live music by the Cocktail Monkeys. Happy hour, tours and children's activities start at 7:30 p.m., with the band performing from 8 p.m. to midnight. Food and drink will be available for purchase onboard the ship. The Hornet will also feature an after-party until 2 a.m. where guests can dance to tracks spun by DJ Yuma Tripp on one of the largest dance floors in the Bay Area. Tickets are $20 for adults ($25 at the door) and $10 for kids ages 5-17. Museum members receive $5 off each ticket.

The USS Hornet, a survivor of 59 battles and the second most decorated aircraft carrier in U.S. history, is widely rumored to be haunted. As a result, it is one of the most visited ghost sites in the country and has garnered attention from such television shows as "Ghost Hunters" and "Fear Factor."

The Hornet is adding two special events for this year's Haunt Fest celebration:

• History Mystery "After Hours" Tour, Thursday, Oct. 28. Explore the bowels of the Hornet under the red lighting of "night ops" while listening to stories of the ship's legendary haunts. This three-hour tour begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. All participants must be ages 12 and older.

• Ship of Spirits Ghost Stories and Paranormal Readings, Friday, Oct. 29. Alameda-based clairvoyant Aann Golemac will share her knowledge of the Hornet's paranormal activities and pass messages to guests in the audience from spirit. This special presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and reservations are required. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Following her presentation, the Hornet will offer a flashlight History Mystery tour of the ship from 10 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $35 per person for the tour or $45 for both the clairvoyant presentation and the tour.

For more information or to buy tickets for any of these special events, visit www.uss-hornet.org or call (510) 521-8448, ext. 282.  Proceeds benefit the USS Hornet Museum, a 501©3 non-profit organization.