Things that go on overnight at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest will eventually be laid to rest as the theme park drops the annual series of Halloween events due to concerns about COVID-19.
But the fall fixture will take place to haunt New Jersey by 2020 through something called Hallowfest.
What is Hallowfest, if not Fright Fest with a new name?
Like Fright Fest, the event, which begins in September, promises “tensions by day” and “cool by night,” including rides. But by 2020, there will be no indoor labs, shows or haunted houses to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Social distance will be maintained at railway points and fear zones outside.
“Our annual Fright Fest celebration is one of the most anticipated Halloween events of the season,” Mike Spanos, president and CEO of Six Flags, said in a statement Monday. “Given the current environment, this year we are taking special precautionary measures and offering our guests a version that is still scary, offers a lot of exciting rides and Halloween fun, and most importantly is safe for our guests and team members.”
The night section, which begins at 6 p.m., is not recommended for children under 12 “and those who are easily startled.”
“Chills” are set to “eerie fog, ominous lighting and sinister music,” three ghostless paths and roller coasters “in total darkness.”
Scare actors will be at least six feet away from guests, and guests will be at least six feet apart.Six flags great adventure
A trick-or-treating trail in the daytime will feature kid-friendly monsters and candy. There will also be a stroller labyrinth (in one direction all other labyrinths from the lineup have been cut).
Jackson Amusement Park will continue with reduced capacity and temperature scans at the fall event, which will begin Sept. 18 and run through weekends through Nov. 1. (And October 12 / Columbus Day).
A horde of zombies, along with ghouls and evil clowns, are some of the hallmarks of Fright Fest. This year, all actors, staff and guests who are 2 years and older will be afraid to wear face masks. The actors – the park says there will be a limited number this year – will stay at least six feet from guests and each other, and visitors will also be kept six feet apart.
Rides, handrails, restraints, dining areas and restrooms will be cleaned regularly, the park says, with sanitation stations with hands spread throughout the park.
The Halloween changes mean that Fright Fest’s annual Coffin Challenge has been canceled this year. The prize draw asks those who dare to go inside to spend 30 hours in a box, with only short breaks to use the bathroom.
Six flags will be open from 2pm to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays and 5pm until several times on Fridays. Guests are required o book reserves to ensure access of limited capacity. Season pass holders and members can make reservations for Hallowfest from noon on September 3. Others can purchase tickets from September 4; sixflags.com/reserve.
For more, visit sixflags.com/hallowfest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9P1q714z8
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Amy Kuperinsky can be reached at [email protected]. Send a tip of coronavirus over here.
