Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses
The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted Houses ("H5") is a Halloween attraction in the Hudson Valley area of New York. It is located in Ulster Park, about 10 miles from Poughkeepsie, New York. This haunted attraction covers 45 acres includes orchards, corn mazes, woods and ponds. According to the HauntWorld magazine, the Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted Houses is rated as the #1 haunted attraction in the United States[1].
Background
The hayride opened for the Halloween season in 1992. As of 2007 it features eight distinct attractions and employed over 130 people during the season. Owners Michael and Nancy Jubie started the attraction out of a love of Halloween and experience with disguises[2]. Michael has written articles about safety in outdoor haunted attractions[3].
Attractions
The Hayride
The hayride is the first stage in the visit. It is over a mile long trip on a wagon which holds around 25-30 visitors. Customers are given ample opportunity to be scared by actors during the trip, which is facilitated by a "story teller," another actor who is on the wagon for the ride. Each year the hayride as a theme, and the story teller narrates and interacts with other characters, as well as customers.
The Corn Maze
The corn maze is the second stage in the visit. Numerous actors are hidden in a one-way (i.e., customers cannot make a wrong turn and lose their way) maze to scare passersby.
The Creature
Added in 2007, the Creature is a 150-foot-long inflated attraction that appears to be a sleeping dinosaur or dragon. Customers pass through the mouth and walk past internal organs on their way through to the back end.
The Haunted Houses
Two haunted houses, each designed with a new theme annually, are also part of H5. They are frequently covered in local media[4]
Other Activities
Other entertainment includes food and gift shops, various independent vendors, and an illusionist that performs nightly.
References
- ^ Haunt World Magazine, accessed October 22, 2007 at 15:20
- ^ Haunted Houses in New York copyright 2005, accessed October 23, 2007 at 00:19
- ^ Safety! What's Your Definition? by Michael Jubie. Accessed October 22, 2007 23:43
- ^ Why Is Fear Fun?, Poughkeepsie Journal, October 2, 2007, accessed October 23, 2007 at 00:27