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Showing posts with label Sanctum of Horror. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sanctum of Horror. Show all posts
The AZ Halloween Marketplace, formerly the Haunted Swap Meet, is a one-day annual marketplace held every September where you can buy, sell, and trade your homemade, gently used Halloween props and collectables to other haunters.The event is a gathering of Halloween enthusiasts that buy sell or trade props, costumes, decorations, and other Halloween related items. Buy, sell and trade till you have the perfect yard haunt.
This year they are adding a haunted house *$5 charge to enter haunted house
Hearse Display
Raffle with hourly prize drawings
Special Appearances by:
AZ Ghostbusters
United Zombies
Live Pumpkin Carving by Villafane Studios (master carver)
You will find creepy cupcakes, costumes, spell books, macabre original artwork, and so much more.
They are again in a nice air-conditioned venue at MetroCenter Mall. If you attended last year, you know how big the crowd was and will be happy to know that they are taking over the entire lower level of the mall instead of a single store space. That means you can use any mall entrance and should not expect any lines standing between you and your Halloween fun!
The AZ Halloween Marketplace is organized by The AZHaunters.com website, an online community of individuals of all ages that have come together celebrate Halloween Haunting by sharing and learning with each other. The HAunted Swap Meet began in 2015 with a half dozen members gathering on a lawn to trade props (hence the original name Swap Meet), and has since grown with over 6,000 attendees last year.
AZ Haunters gather together in person and online to share prop making techniques and ideas, chat about Halloween, and help each other out with haunting plans. They also hold "Make & Take" crafting events approx once a month, this is where they meet in person and you learn how to construct various Halloween props..
This year, The Haunted Swap Meet event was held inside Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix on Saturday September 28th, 2019.
I do not have an estimate on the number of Halloween enthusiasts that gathered to buy sell or trade props, costumes, decorations, and other Halloween related items. However, what I do know is the turnout was far larger than I think anyone expected.
The lines wrapped around the stairs and outside the mall down around the old Sears and there was standing room only inside the space rented for the event.
On one hand it is extremely satisfying to see such a turn out of Halloween lovers, gives me hope the holiday is not as dead as some might think. For the last few years, when you walk into stores in October, you see Christmas, not Halloween. When you look for halloween events, you see churches running events in hopes of increasing attendance. Even in many neighborhoods, everyone has the lights out instead of handing candy out to the folks who put effort into dressing up and celebrating. But all that digresses from the subject at hand.
The huge turn out created an issue with ability to actually browse comfortably. As mentioned, there was standing room only and the space was not large enough for the thousands of people that showed up to find a bargain.
I do have some suggestions to improve upon on this issue which was posted to the Facebook Event's Page. Now some of these will increase the cost which may mean they will need to charge a nominal entry fee (which will also assist with head count).
Some of these suggestions are a bigger location, next year maybe rent out both floors of the old Sears and seperate the merchants/businesses from the home haunters/swap meet/used stuff. This will increase browsing space and make it easier to locate deals by identifying the used merchandise that may be cheaper or have the ability to be haggled over.
Do 2 days, Saturday and Sunday. This will help with overcrowding to some extent. Now, you should still expect opening on Saturday to be large as no one would really want to wait till near close on Sunday when most of the best deals would be gone.
Maybe even do March and September. Many Haunters work on their Halloween stuff year round, also having one in March would increase the deals as many are more apt to sell items no longer being needed at an off time of year.
Spreading vendors out more will allow buyers to access each vendor from all 4 sides for better less crowded browsing. This will increase the experience for vendor and buyer.
Maybe even Sanctum of Horror Haunted Attractions (who sponsors the AZHaunters Haunted Swap Meet) can have a mini haunted house in a store the size of the one the swap meet was in this year. This would not only increase the draw for people in the East Valley, but dilute the traffic at the Swap a bit by spreading the flow out. This haunted attraction could even be up the whole month, making it worth while for Sanctum of Horror to attempt the endeavour. Get a coupon to this haunted house here.
That is my two cents, lots of neat things to see, but little opportunity to purchase because of the crowds. Additionally, some of the merchants did not have signal and so could only accept cash.
I do think, this year's Haunted Swap Meet learned and improved from 2018, but I think some of the changes (being inside instead of outside) drew a bigger crowd which created other issues. I think they will take much of the insight given this year to make next year more enjoyable. In short, do not give up on them, we need this type of thing to help keep Halloween Alive.
The AZHaunters.com website is an online community of individuals of all ages that have come together celebrate Halloween Haunting by sharing and learning with each other. AZ Haunters gather together in person and online to share prop making techniques and ideas, chat about Halloween, and help each other out with haunting plans. They also hold "Make & Take" crafting events approx once a month, this is where they meet in person and you learn how to construct various Halloween props.
AZ Haunters also holds an annual Haunted Swap Meet every September where you can buy, sell, and trade your homemade, gently used Halloween props and collectables to other haunters.
The Haunted Swap Meet event is a gathering of Halloween enthusiasts that buy sell or trade props, costumes, decorations, and other Halloween related items. Buy, sell and trade till you have the perfect yard haunt.
Along with Free Admission and Free Parking For Attendees, Last year they featured:
Over 50 Halloween related business vendors
Over 25 Private Sellers
Live Demonstration booths, showing prop creations instructionals
An 8 vehicle Hearse display
“Photo Ops” for Attendees
4 Food Trucks
This year, the event will be held inside at Metrocenter mall in Phoenix on Saturday September 28th, 2019 from 10am to 4pm
9617 N. Metro Parkway W.
(between Sears and Dillard's)
Phoenix, AZ 85051
Parking is free!
Tips:
Wear comfortable shoes, anticipate walking up and down every aisle
Stay hydrated, Water will be available for purchase.
Bring Cash, many of the vendors will accept credit cards, some may not
Restroom facilities will be available in the main mall area.
Artisan Exhibitor: for vendors who are selling their wares as a business.
Private Vendor: for members of AZHaunters.com that have personal props, costumes, etc. that they no longer need. Every day haunters looking to sell or trade Halloween stuff.
Finally had the opportunity to visit this Haunted Attraction. On 9/28/19 at the Haunted Swap Meet, Sanctum of Horror Haunted Attractions was offering a discounted ticket price of $13 dollars and you got a $10 shirt free. So essentially we visited this attraction for $3 each.
This Haunted House Attraction is 2 haunted mazes set up in the parking lot of the Superstition Springs Mall in Mesa, AZ.
Since 2012, Sanctum of Horror has been scaring the East Valley with incredible detail and great makeup that will surely frighten those daring enough to visit.
Enter the mind of Lenore as you experience the memories of her violent past and navigate her childhood home to witness the brutal murders of her family. If you survive you can make your way through an ancient graveyard filled with the undead and arrive at St. Charlotte Asylum. Be warned the inmates have taken over the compound and the only way out is through Lenore’s cell.
The Breach
In 1953, deep within the southern Arizona desert, lies a military research facility only known to the public as Bunker 16. With the discovery of a rare leech found within the waters of the Orinoco River, Bunker 16 began PROJECT: PESTILENCE. One night in October, the base abruptly sent a distress signal. Enter the base on that horrifying night and bear witness to the destruction caused by a creature focused on its own survival.
Blackout Event (November 1st and 2nd only)
Shadowy darkness will creep over the Sanctum of Horror. Enter Parallel domain in utter darkness and find a candle for light.
My Two Cents:
My first impression was, this looks a little small. I will tell you though, there was a lot of punch. They did great with the what appeared to be a small space. I believe I heard them say Sanctum of Horror had 22 rooms (was not counting when walking through).
There was great attention to detail in each room. The scare actors interacted well with those waiting in line (they focused on those who's screams entertained the rest of us). Not overly packed and the best part of all, they only send you in with your group and they pause you at the entrance with a small prologue allowing the group ahead to get ahead. This is one of the only attractions I have been to that is not a long conga line.
Hands down, you add that part of the experience to the detail and work that is put into the attraction itself and this place (though only 2 haunted mazes) gives great value vs cost, especially when comparing apples to apples with bigger attractions like Fear Farm and Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood.
In addition, there were 2 food vendor trucks, Both selling the bottles of water for $1.50, not $4-$6 like most places. My kids said the smoothie they got from MF Koffee was the best they ever had! French Me LLC is a Gourmet French Fry Food Truck, we just got plain fries, but they were good!
Here are the operating dates and hours of operation.
Every Halloween a frightening transformation sweeps the nation with haunted houses, mazes and hayrides popping up everywhere. If you dare, check out these Halloween attractions for lots of terrifying thrills.
Dread Hollow is a unique attraction that adds a new level of fear to the traditional haunted house. Dread Hollow appears to be like any other unassuming small town, but visitors are unaware of what truly lies within: 20,000 square feet of pure terror.
For 27 years, the Haunted Hayride at Arasapha Farm has been scaring its visitors! The special effects and superb acting at the Bates Motel will take you to a different level of terror. The Hayride has been featured as the Number 1 Haunted Attraction in America by Hauntworld Magazine.
If you like Haunted Hayrides, check out the one at Fear Farm in Glendale, AZ.
Or visit the Bates Motel at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood at at Universal Studios, CA.
The Ghoullog
Address: 1 Skimobile Rd, North Conway, NH 03860 Website:The Ghoullog
The crew behind The Ghouldog are committed to giving their visitors a most terrifying experience. The approximate 50 minute haunt features over 15,000 square feet of indoor space through a series of dark rooms and scary mazes. Plus an outdoor element which leads through the dark woods . with plenty of scares and screams.
By the same people who bring you Scarizona in Mesa, AZ. Fear Overload is noted as being the best Haunted House Bay Area attractions and was voted as one of the scariest attractions in California. The Scream Park features two haunted houses full of monstrous creatures.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park CA 90620
Knott’s Scary Farm is the largest and most haunting Halloween experience in Southern California, the fully transformed theme park features unique haunted mazes and attractions, sinister shows and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park.
Fright Dome
Fright Dome 2018 will not be hosted by Circus Circus Las Vegas this year.
"Circus Circus has informed Egan Productions that it will not move forward with Fright Dome for 2018. While we regret this bad news, we are grateful to the people of Las Vegas for supporting Fright Dome over the past fifteen years. We look forward to many successful Halloween events in the future."
-Egan Productions
Dark Harbor
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor annual Halloween haunt, features 6 haunted mazes, a 4D theater experience, immersive attractions and live entertainment including hundreds of monsters. As an added bonus, the place is truly haunted: Time Magazine has named Queen Mary as one of the “Top 10 most haunted places on Earth”.
The RavenHearse Family Classic Haunt
Address: 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
One of the only haunted house attractions open year round. They offer a unique experience (Green, Yellow, Orange and Red Tours), different from the normal commercial haunted house attractions. Additionally, they cater a haunting experience to the needs of sensitive children or children with disabilities by having opted out of using smoke machines or strobe lights.
Check out their Halloween Tour starting September 28th 'Into the Shadows and Into the Dark'.
Dent Schoolhouse
Address: 5963 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati OH 45248 Website:Dent Schoolhouse
Like the Queen Mary, this is a real haunted location. In 1894 the Dent Public School was open, but in 1942 several students, mysteriously vanished. In 1945, 1952 and 1955, more students went missing. After students began to complain about strange smells, the basement was found covered with the decaying remains of the missing students. They were killed by Charlie, the janitor. This place sure knows how to make the place even more haunted.
Saturday, Sept 29, 2018 - Event hours are 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
What is a Haunted Swap Meet? Think giant multi-person yard sale with a Halloween theme.
Expected to have over 50 tables and booths selling everything from custom crafted items, old props and costumes to Halloween themed trinkets. Definitely something for anyone looking for a deal on Halloween items and decorations.
It's an opportunity for commercial sellers and Halloween enthusiasts to buy, sell or trade props, costumes, decorations, and other Halloween oriented stuff.
If you are a Halloween Enthusiast anywhere near Phoenix, AZ, you should Check it out.
Free admission - No restroom facilities.
Looking forward to seeing everyone getting some great stuff!
Event hours are 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday, Sept 29, 2018.
There are also makeup demonstrations, prop building workshops, and a few other extras for those interested in more than just buying cool stuff.
- Kaos Funeral Cars will have 9 custom hearses for viewing.
This event is being held in the Phoenix College parking lot on 15th Avenue North of Thomas in Phoenix, AZ. There will be plenty of room for vendors and plenty of room for parking.
Happy Halloween!
If you want to help plan and organize, volunteer at AZHaunters.com.
"Yard Sale" type tables will be assigned areas as the sellers arrive. However, if you do not pre-register, you will not be allowed to set up.
If you have a business and want to sell
DEADLINE IS AUG 31
Contact AZHaunters, to get the vendor agreement outlining the terms.
PM AZHaunters with your info:
Real Name
Business Name
Business page
Description of what you sell
Email
Contact phone number.
Setup is from 8AM to 9AM the day of the event. At 9 AM the event opens and no one may set up after that.
If you DO NOT have a business
To sell your Halloween related items at the Swap meet, You must be a member at www.AZHaunters.com. Message AZHaunters with your:
AZHaunters.com login name
Real Name
Email
Contact phone number
Be sure to mention you are NOT selling as a business
Setup is from 8AM to 9AM the day of the event. At 9 AM the event opens and no one may set up after that.
Residents of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Glendale here are some of the local area haunted houses for 2018. Prepare to enjoy some frightful fun this Halloween season with Haunts like corn mazes, Halloween hayrides and haunted houses.
* Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill in Phoenix, AZ
Address: 3401 W Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053
Now entering it’s 8th Halloween Season, Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill operate from Noon until 5PM a family friendly attraction.
Then as night falls, Jack and Jill’s relies on their live and story driven cast to play on your fears. Originally a ‘home haunt’ turned commercial, Jack and Jill’s refuses to let go of its underground roots in its attempts to scare. BUY TICKETS HERE
Stop by early and experience the 100,000 square foot building that offers BLACK LIGHT Go Karting, Video Game Arcade, Pool Tables, Dance Floor and Full Service Bar and .
Haunt visitors that wear costumes, can trick or treat the haunted hill! There will be candy given out at the front desk, when you check in with creepy Grandpa, and at the entrance to the mine.
* Sanctum of Horror in Mesa, AZ
Address: 6555 East Southern Avenue Mesa, AZ 85206
Sanctum of Horror is a breeding ground of fear and evil. Those who enter succumb to madnes, including Lenore. Enter the mind of Lenore as you experience the memories of her violent past and navigate her childhood home to witness the brutal murders of her family. If you survive you can make your way through an ancient graveyard filled with the undead and arrive at St. Charlotte Asylum. Be warned the inmates have taken over the compound and the only way out is through Lenore’s cell. Get your $2 discount coupon here.
They are also sponsoring the 2018 Haunted Swap Meet organized by AZHaunters.com
*Scarizona Scaregrounds in Scottsdale, AZ
Address: 1901 N Alma School Rd, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: (480) 444-2590
Scarizona Screampark features three terrifying houses of terror: Startled Darkness, Slayer’s Slaughter House, Epic Fear.
There is also an interactive paintball event to take a shot at killing zombies in Operation Zombie Storm.
* Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group Presents The 13th Floor Haunted House Phoenix AZ
Address: 2814 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053
Phone: (602) 456-2250 Last Year's Review
In the United States, the number 13 is considered unlucky and building owners will sometimes purposefully omit a floor numbered 13. However here in Phoenix, you can step inside one of these forbidden floors. Step inside, take a ride on the elevator and get off at the 13th Floor.
This Haunted Attraction is one of the largest haunted house in Phoenix. There are two haunted attractions in this huge 60,000 square foot building. The first is your trip through the 13th floor of a building and the second scary attraction is The Frenzy Haunted House where you experience a zombie apocalypse.
The two attractions are combined for one price with various upgrade options available. BUY TICKETS HERE There are NO REFUNDS or exchanges of any kind.
* Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group Presents Fear Farm Haunted House Phoenix AZ
Address: 2209 N 99th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85037
Phone: (623) 866-5378 Last Year's Review
Fear Farm is 26 acres with 4 haunted maze attractions and a separate corn maze for a combined price with various upgrade options available. They also have a Haunted Hay Ride, which is $10 extra. BUY TICKETS HERE There are NO REFUNDS or exchanges of any kind.
*The Crypt Haunted Attractions - Mesa, AZ
Address: 1445 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: (480) 332-8095
Located just off US 60 in the Fiesta Mall parking lot is The Crypt which also features The Asylum and Chaos Mazes.
All 3 attractions $25 Get your $3 off coupon for a discount on the Ultimate Fright Pass, also available: Military Discount to all active and military veterans.
* Tolmachoff Farms presents AZ Field of Screams in Glendale, AZ
Address: 5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85303
Phone: (602) 999-3276
Open every Friday and Saturday night starting October 6th and on Halloween. Walk through a dark Haunted corn maze with new spine chilling scenes every year. For the added haunt, arrive with the knowledge that the corn field that was planted over an old forgotten cemetery. Tickets are $20 and the Haunted Attraction is open from 7 pm until 11 pm.
Tolmachoff farms also has a pumpkin patch and other farm activities during the day.
One of the only haunted house attractions open year round. They offer a unique experience (Green, Yellow, Orange and Red Tours), different from the normal commercial haunted house attractions. Additionally, they cater a haunting experience to the needs of sensitive children or children with disabilities by having opted out of using smoke machines or strobe lights.
Check out their Halloween Tour starting September 28th 'Into the Shadows and Into the Dark'.
* Golfland Sunsplash Presents Golfland Fright Nights in Mesa, AZ
Address: 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (480) 834-8319
THE GAUNTLET WILL BE CLOSED IN 2018 DUE TO SOME TEMPORARY CHANGES AT GOLFLAND-SUNSPLASH, THE HAUNTED HOUSE WILL NOT BE OPERATING. THE GAUNTLET WILL RETURN IN 2019!
SPOOKTACULAR GOLF, A FAMILY FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENT WILL STILL BE HELD NIGHTLY IN OCTOBER.
18-hole mini golf course is full of spooky decorations, Spooktacular Golf is fun for the whole family. Admission is the standard golf rate: Adults: $9.99/Kids: $7.99
