Fright Fun at Hallowed Grounds Haunt Park

(Athens Chamber of Commerce Director Kristin Willingham and I with Frankstein at Hallowed Grounds Haunt Park.)

I met Frankenstein this weekend. ... I also saw Freddy from "Nightmare on Elm Street," the Wolfman, Billy from "Saw," the clown from "It," and many more. And, yes, there were several screams along the way.

All of it was thanks to Jerry Spiva and his family.

Jerry invited me to the soft opening of Hallowed Grounds Haunt Park which opens this Friday, Oct. 1, from 7 p.m. to midnight.  Hallowed Grounds is located at 2705 State Highway 31 across from Mud Technology International.

To call Hallowed Grounds a simple haunted house wouldn't give it enough credit. Jerry, with plenty of help from his family, has created an attraction dedicated to the adrenaline rush of the scare and a salute to the horror movie genre.

Hallowed Grounds includes three different sections. Two are walk-through segments called Grimrot's Festival, which is Jerry's take on the Athens legend of Monkey Bridge, and Hall Asylum. Between the two is a museum-like display of some of the greatest monsters in horror movie history. Take your photo with your favorite.

I was lucky enough to go through Hallowed Grounds with Mark and Kristin Willingham and their 12-year-old daughter, Brylie. I'm glad I had company because it was plenty scary for me, but it wasn't too much for Brylie in case you are wondering.

If you're looking for the kind of place that will make you scream and then laugh with your friends about who yelled the loudest, Hallowed Grounds Haunt Park is the place to go.

It's family fun ... Jerry Spiva's family.

Hallowed Grounds Haunt Park is open weekends through October and tickets are $15.

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