The Terrifying Return of Halloween’s NightMare Island!
Image: “horror” by wolfgangfoto is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD
Everyone knows black cats supposedly lead to bad luck, but the dark arts have been nothing but lucky for the people behind Halloween’s NightMare Island in Vallejo. And by “dark arts,” I of course mean haunt-building. The popular attraction will be returning to Mare Island in October after Covid-19 and a shake-up with the Mare Island Preserve sidelined it a bit.
Halloween’s NightMare Island has evolved from monster-enthusiasts setting up spooky little vignettes in abandoned cement bunkers on the island to a full-bore, multi-roomed animatronic haunted experience that draws thousands. That’s where the kismet, or luck, comes in. Co-founder Sarah Cain first drew Halloween fans in who wanted to volunteer to dress up like zombies, twisted scarecrows, or f’d up clowns just for the fun of it. From there a Vampire Bat signal went out and attracted her co-directors, JeanPaul Fischer and Priscilla Silva, who shared her love of the holiday. Then Fischer, a Master Electrician, turned their ideas into ghostly reality (“It’s alive!”).
The haunt is literally built from the ground up, and Fischer outfits them with electricity to power spooky lights, corpses that sit up and greet you, eerie sounds, and terrifying surprises.
Most of us might be unaware of the haunt subculture, but it exists in the shadows. Cain, Silva, and Fischer regularly go to other haunts to gather ideas and they recently flew to St. Louis for a convention of like-minded creeps to amass even further intel, TransWorld’s Halloween and Attractions Show.
There are two “musts” the crew insist on. First, the haunt has to be on Mare Island. Second, it has to be in a space big enough to build it. Enter Southern Land (SL), which the City of Vallejo has designated as a developer there. SL graciously donated a gigantic, former naval industrial space for them to turn into this year’s spectacle.
“We are thoroughly ecstatic that Southern Land extended their generosity to us, so that we can bring something to the community as well as Mare Island,” said Silva.
“They’ve been really easy to work with, too,” said Cain. “They are very straight-forward and we really appreciate it. And we’re excited to be in this space! This is a fantastic location.”
The word “huge” doesn’t do the space justice, but the crew knew exactly how to fill it. There is room for up to 40 venders, for example. There will be a kid’s area with games, as well as face and pumpkin painting. Most importantly, there is ample room to create the main attraction, which will be larger than previous haunts by 900 square feet.
It’s best to keep the attractions a spooky surprise, but suffice it to say that each room of the haunt will have a theme and live actors will bring each section to life (or death, depending on the motif).
As with years past, there will be an early entry time of 5pm for little ones or the mega scare-averse to go through the haunt that will be actor-free, so no one will jump out at you.
As for after 6pm, the scare factor this year will be a little bit different. The last time they ran the haunt, visitors could opt to go into the maximum fright area midway through, or continue on a less horrifying trajectory. This year, Cain says it will be more of a “rollercoaster” effect, with hardcore scary stuff ebbing and flowing throughout the build. Don’t worry, there are exits set up throughout if you can’t take it anymore.
You’d think that after steeping themselves in ghastliness for so many years, they might be a bit immune to what is scary. But Silva is a self-admitted “scaredy cat,” and she knows that if they are creating something that makes her shudder, then they are on the right track.
“If I’m not laughing– or I’m laughing nervously or going, ‘no no noooooo,’ we know it’s a good build,” she said.
In addition to the haunt, the kids area, and the venders, there will be different events on various evenings. “Spooky” animal shows with owls, bats, reptiles and falcons to delight and educate. A paranormal specialist will be in attendance and horror movies will be projected. On October 10 there will be a Crypt Sale, for Halloween and goth lovers. The NorCal HearseCon will take place on the 23rd, and it is just how it sounds– a car show for people who collect man’s last limo, so to speak. There will be food trucks every night and they might even set up a “scare cam,” to capture people’s images after a fright in the haunt.
Wendy Rozonewsky and Joe Lam of JNW Reptile Rescue are a big part of the NightMare Island core team and will also have a snake, bearded dragon, and tortoise “boo” zoo of sorts, as well as reptile adoptions to good homes who believe that happiness is a warm gila monster.
“We joke that we are creating a haunted village,” said Silva. “But that’s pretty much what it is!”
Another thing to mention is that Halloween’s NightMare Island will adhere to all Covid-19 safety protocols. Hand sanitizer will be plentiful and everyone is required to wear a mask. The haunt will also be sanitized every evening. Only four people will be allowed in the haunt at a time, as well.
HALLOWEEN’S NightMARE ISLAND will take place all five weekends in October, starting with Friday, Oct 1st. The event is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, beginning at 5pm. Tickets are $15, but for those who don’t want to wait in line, timed-tickets are available for $20 online. If you arrive and don’t want to wait in line, you can purchase a $25 fast-pass to skip to the front of the line, as well.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Just about anyone can join in the fun and volunteer with NightMare Island, even kids.
“We love kids!” said Cain.
“Yup, we gotta start ‘em young!” laughs Silva.
Children 14 to 18 need only their parent’s signature to participate. Those 13 and under must have a parent present at all times, taking part in the fun alongside them.
Volunteer “jobs” range from being actors on the site to helping build the haunt, and everything in between. To volunteer or get more information, go to nightmareislandvallejo.com.
SPONSORSHIP! NightMare Island is seeking sponsors who want to reach their valuable 18 to 35 year old demographic, the bulk of the visitors to the haunt.
“Your advertisement will get a lot of eyes on it,” said Cain, noting the massive outreach they undertake before the event, as well as the thousands that take part in it.
SOME PROCEEDS WILL GO TO LOCAL CHARITIES. The crew is still determining which local charities to donate portions of their proceeds to, but visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for Vallejo Together, as well as Halloween costumes for kids in need.
Visit nightmareislandvallejo.com for more information.
