Press Kit

News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – September 17, 2013

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, PR@MtWashingtonValley.org

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, QUITE POSSIBLY THE SCARIEST REGION ON EARTH

This Halloween season, prepare for the fright of a lifetime in Mt Washington Valley’s BOOt Camp

North Conway, NH –Ignite your inner zombie as we scare up a monstrously wild time throughout the weeks leading up to Halloween in Mt Washington Valley.  There are plenty of spirits still hanging around our historic hotels and inns, so come and sleep with a ghost or scream to your heart’s content in our frightfully scary boo-doirs.  There’s plenty of bloodcurdling fun in store no matter how old or young a believer you are.

The Ghoullog at Cranmore Mountain Resort: Fridays and Saturdays, Sept 27-Nov 2: Cranmore Mountain The Ghoullog transforms Cranmore Mountain Resort into the perfect thrilling Halloween setting that will spark fright to those mighty enough to brave the chilling scene. The only Halloween event in the nation featuring a chairlift ride to the top of a mountain,  Cranmore’ s 2,000 foot summit offers Halloween marauders breathtaking night-time views of the Moats, Mount Washington and the village of North Conway, NH.

The approximate 50 minute haunt features over 15,000 square feet of indoor space through a series of dark rooms, scary mazes and unknown places, plus an all-new outdoor element which leads the unsuspecting through the dark woods with all of the scares and screams you’ve come to expect. Each Ghoullog ticket comes with a single ride ticket to ride the chairlift for an unforgettable ride in the dark - that’s if you make it out of the Mercer Home featured at the Ghoullog this year. Additionally, “The Haunted Playground” features unlimited rides on Cranmore’s Mountain Coaster, Giant Swing and Soaring Eagle Zipline, all of which will receive a Halloween-themed face lift offering a unique night-time experience with special lighting, effects and the occasional ghost or ghoul when you least expect it. Then plan to visit the Bloody Noose Pub, a fully-licensed facility serving up brews, libations and a menu featuring favorites from the grill. Tickets for the event are $29 for the Ghoullog, $29 for the Haunted Playground, and $46 for the Ghoullog Plus which includes one trip through the Ghoullog, the Haunted Playground and a ticket for the summit scare ride.  A special local’s night will take place on October 24^th, where residents of Carroll, Coos and Oxford Counties can enjoy special Ghoullog discounted ticket rate of $21. Doors open at 6:30pm. Advance reservations strongly recommended. The Ghoullog is recommended for ages 10 and up. Age, height and weight restrictions apply to Haunted Playground rides. Info: www.theghoullog.com.

Return of the Pumpkin People, October 1-20: Nearly 75 businesses throughout Mt Washington Valley will create “pumpkin people” displays, each utilizing at least one pumpkin in a sometimes scary and sometimes whimsical display to celebrate Halloween.  Take a self-guided tour of the pumpkin people displays throughout the region. Be sure to look for the official logo identifying each host property. Maps and "People's Choice" ballots will be available at all participating properties and at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce in Jackson Village.  Don’t forget to vote for your favorite.  Info: www.jacksonnh.com/event/81/Return-of-the-Pumpkin-People.

Pumpkin Patch Express, October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27:  While riding the Conway Scenic RR isn’t usually scary, when combined with the creepy costumes some kids choose, you just might get a bit of a fright along with a pumpkin. Special Halloween trains travel to the “Pumpkin Patch” (White Mountain Cider Company in nearby Glen), where everyone gets off the train, and each child gets to pick out their own pumpkin Every one’s encouraged to wear costumes – scary or not. Departures that travel directly to the Pumpkin Patch: 1:30, Friday-Sunday, with an extra 3:00 departure on Saturday only.  The 11:30 Bartlett Valley Train also stops at the Pumpkin Patch. Info: Click here.

Haunted Happenings at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, Saturday, Oct 26, 11am-3pm:  While Mom conjures up some of the most chilling deals at name brand outlet stores here, the kids are finding their own great deal.  Free candy!  There will be Halloween treats for all costumed characters up to age 11 at stores throughout Settlers’ Green (while supplies last).  While the costumes might be gory and scary, the safe trick-or-treating is  a comfort for Mom and Dad.   Info:  www.Settlersgreen.com.

The Zombie Walk & Zombie Village at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, Saturday, Oct 26, 5-9pm: Get ready to get zombified as Settlers' Green Outlet Village and Arts in Motion Theater Company will collaborate to bring the biggest zombie gathering in Northern New Hampshire. Combine a scarily fabulous outlet shopping experience with your chance to be a zombie for the night! On-going activities from 5-9 p.m. include a Zombie Dance Floor with DJ Kristen Corrigan on the Zombie Main Stage, Zombie Movie Clips on the 16-foot Big Screen, Zombie Laser Targets, Green Screen Special Effects by Keith Force, Zombie Trivia, and a Zombie Treasure Hunt throughout Settlers’ Green.

The official Zombie Walk will take place at 5 p.m. from Settlers' Corner (Staples store) and enter Settlers' Green into the Gazebo. All zombies should be there at 4:45 p.m. to get ready for the walk. After the walk, there will be plenty of activities going on throughout the courtyard area at Settlers' Green. The first 100 zombies that enter the Zombie Competition will get a goodie bag. Judging will take place throughout the event with finalists being called to stage at 8:45 p.m. for final judging. A $100 Gift Certificate to Settlers' Green will be given to the winners of the Zombie King and Zombie Queen categories and a $50 Gift Certificate to Settlers' Green will be given to Best Prom Zombie, Best Zombie Family and Best Professional Zombie (dressed for occupation). This is a PG-13 event and may be deemed inappropriate for young children. For more information: http://settlersgreen.com/events/upcoming-events#52.  Click here for a video of the festivities.

All Aboard for the Murder Mystery Dinner Train– October 25 & 26:  Until death do us part will take on particular significance as passengers on the Conway Scenic Railroad prepare to solve the murder mystery. The pleasure of your company is requested at a reception to honor the union of Becky Giovanni and Stanley Simpson on the Conway Scenic Railroad. As friends and family gather together to offer their congratulations and best wishes to the bride and groom, someone has a different motive for their presence at the reception. Before the bride has a chance to throw the bouquet, her beautiful dream wedding day quickly turns into a nightmare of mystery, mayhem and murder. You and all the other guests are left to solve the crime. Secrets will be revealed, motives exposed and your sleuthing skills will be put to the test. Enjoy a night of fine food and fact finding in an event combining intrigue, culinary adventure and rail fun aboard the Conway Scenic RR.  The train departs promptly at 6:00.  Plan to board early and enjoy a cocktail in one of the dining cars. Your fare includes First Class seating for the 3-hour train excursion, a 4-course dinner, live theatrical performance by  Arts in Motion Theater Company, taxes and gratuities.  Beverage service is additional.   More than 13 lodging properties have combined this ride with an overnight stay.  Tickets for just the train ride are available at www.conwayscenic.com.  

4^th Annual Halloween Town at Camp Tohkomeupog - October 27:  Starting at 2pm this East Madison boy’s camp is transformed into a Halloween happening kind of place. There will be a Food Court, Petting Farm, Kid Carnival & Tethered Balloon Rides open. From 5-8PM, the Trick-or-Treat Trail will be open too. For those in rural areas the traditional ability to “trick-or-treat” is somewhat limited where houses are few and far between. Walking the ‘Trick-or-Treat Trail’ at Halloween Town has become known as a safe, entertaining way for kids to celebrate the holiday.  

Spooky Pumpkin Contest & Halloween in Jackson Village, October 31: Bring your spooky carved pumpkin and candle to Jackson's Sweet Treat afternoon, fill out an entry form and you might win a great prize.  Then join the Spooktacular Costume Parade and follow the ghoul-leader through town.  You might take the shivers off your spooky night at the harvest bonfire afterward.  Info: Click here.

For more information on visiting Mt Washington Valley, NH, go to www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.  To talk with a vacation planner about ideas and resources, call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).  To plan a New Hampshire getaway, visit www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photos available upon request.