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Haunted Hollow Express extends into Zombieland |
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Written by Andrew Powell
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Friday, 16 October 2009 |
State and federal emergency officials are warning citizens of a possible neurotoxin contamination in the local area with almost unimaginable consequences: living dead. Fortunately steps are being taken to prevent contamination as well as prevent local communities from being overtaken by these, well, zombies.
State and federal emergency officials are warning citizens of a possible neurotoxin contamination in the local area with almost unimaginable consequences: living dead. Fortunately steps are being taken to prevent contamination as well as prevent local communities from being overtaken by these, well, zombies.
For the next several weeks, members of the Unit 4 Reanimated Link Termination, led by Australian Zombie Hunter William Houseman, will be in the area, monitoring rail lines and protecting neighborhoods from contamination. Houseman was brought into the area for his expertise and notoriety, stemming from his team’s ability to contain a zombie outbreak in 1993 in Australia. Like concerns here, the situation was borne from a biological catastrophe.
“It was a terrible outbreak, mate,” said Houseman “The beasties came from everywhere and we had to do whatever we could to survive. I lost me son, me wife and me dear sweet grandmamma to those beasties.”
Houseman says there is no way to predict what will happen, but the transportation of the materials by rail always comes with high risk.
“We cant be sure what will happen, but the Unit 4 RLT will be ready,” Houseman said. “When it comes to dispatching zombies we are the best. A good blow to the head from an 8mm round always does the trick.”
In case of an outbreak, Houseman says it is best for citizens to remain in their homes. Lock doors, pull shades, keep the lights and all electronic devices turned off and be as quiet as possible.
“A zombie can smell you at 500 yards and hear your heartbeat at 200 yards. If you encounter the beasties, the best bet is to move to high ground. Get on top of your house, climb a tree and don’t make any noise that could attract them,” he added.
Houseman says if an outbreak were to occur, the team would canvas the area, national guardsmen called in and all necessary steps taken to control the spread of the neurotoxin and its after effects. However, he says it is difficult to “know if you ever get rid of them all.”
“I guess that’s why in the zombie movies, there is always a sequel,” he adds.
The above information does sound more like the plot in a 1970s B-grade horror flick than the basis of a front-page news story. However, it is fitting with a new zombie flick sweeping the country and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway preparing for its “Haunted Hollow Express.”
Organizers of that event are using the zombie experience to put a new twist on its annual Halloween tradition. The 2-hour train ride into the Big South Fork Rover Gorge will use decorations, lighting and special effects and dozens of volunteer “zombies” to bring passengers an experience like they have never had before.
“The volunteers getting into character as live, dead people really adds an element we have not been able to bring to the event in the past,” said Becki Egnew, Operations Manager for the BSF Scenic Railway. “With the help of these volunteers, the event and the ride experience will only be enhanced, not to mention an affordable and fun option for families during the holiday season.”
The event is being brought to life, so to speak, by Dave Nutter, daughter Amanda Becker and a host of other volunteers including a number of local high school students. Nutter picked up interest by volunteering last year during the Halloween train, approached Egnew with the idea for this year’s event, and ran with it (if zombies, do in fact run).
Nutter, an avid horror movie fan, is excited about the prospect of the new event.
“I have been a zombie movie fan forever and thought it would be great to add this element to the train ride,” Nutter said. “I think not only will it be attractive to those visiting the county to ride the train, but also attract a lot of attention from the local community. I look for packed trains.”
Nutter said the event is being organized so that it can add to the tradition and continue annually, maybe in various forms, as future Halloween excursions approach.
The BSF Scenic Railway Haunted Hollow Express begins this weekend, October 16 &17, and will continue with excursions on October 23 & 24 as well as October 30 & 31. The train leaves the Stearns depot at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
Egnew said the event remains family oriented, but parents should use their own discretion when bringing small children along for the ride.
“Parents know their own children and we want to make sure this remains a family event that everyone can enjoy,” Egnew added. “If you are looking for blood and gore and extreme horror, then this excursion is not for you.”
In addition to the Haunted Hollow Express, the BSFSRY will also be hosting its annual Trick or Treat Train for Tots on October 30 & 31. Kids ride the rails for a mild 1-hour Halloween excursion before returning to downtown Stearns for trick or treating with local merchants. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
Reservations for these special Halloween excursions are recommended. To learn more about the events or to make your reservation, call 1-800-462-5664 or (606) 376-5330.
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