Halloween 'Lights On' Kid-Friendly Family Fun Day Planned For Fright Haven In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — The state's largest and scariest haunted attraction, Fright Haven, will be a lot less scary Sunday, Oct. 29 when, for this day only, a special Halloween “Lights ON” Family Fun Day matinee designed especially for youngsters will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Special guides will escort families and young ones through the haunts, showing where the monsters would normally hide and how the special effects are done.

Fright Haven, located at 411 Barnum Avenue Cutoff in Stratford Square Shopping Plaza in the former Bally's Fitness/Showcase Cinemas building (next to L.A. Fitness and Ninety Nine Restaurant across from Home Depot), is made up of three entirely separate haunted houses encompassing more than 20,000 square feet, all under one roof. This season, new features include the Deadly Grounds, Green Swamp, and the Buried Alive coffin simulator ride. Being indoors, Fright Haven has the benefit of being able to be remain open even if it rains.

Whereas Fright Haven is a world-class haunted extravaganza meant to chill and thrill, on these kid-friendly matinees, all the lights will be turned on, the scary music will be turned off, and the actors will not jump out in masks and make-up.

The all-ages appropriate atmosphere will be more carnival and less evil. In fact it will also be educational, wherein the "scaremasters" will reveal all the hidden secrets to what scares visitors, and what actors are taught to startle the guests during normal evening hours, when the attraction is far more chilling. In fact, the all-ages walk-through will be conducted by not only the main director of Fright Haven, but also by his 11 and 12 year old sons.

There will also be face-painting and treats (but no tricks).

The Halloween seasonal attraction benefits Stratford PAL (Police Activities League), and has served as a fund-raiser for several area schools and non-profits.

Admission is $20 in advance or at the door. Cost is $10 for children. Advance tickets are available, along with further information, at www.FrightHaven.com. Group discounts are available by phone at (203) 799-FEAR, which is also the haunt's info line.

Contributed photo and press release