Life in the Shadows: Growing Up in America's Haunted Attractions
Life in the Shadows: Growing Up in America's Haunted Attractions
For most children, childhood is filled with memories of playgrounds, sports activities, and summer camps. However, for the kids raised in America's most iconic haunted attractions, the reality is far spookier. These children have grown up immersed in a world of fright, creativity, and the business of scares.
Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, known as the "Queen of Haunts," highlights this unique experience, stating that for her family, haunting is a long-standing tradition. Her upbringing in Kansas City’s Edge of Hell, where she would nap in coffins and greet thrill-seekers, has significantly shaped her approach to life and her family.
The stories of these children are a testament to how these attractions are not merely places of fear but also nurturing grounds for creativity, teamwork, and resilience. Here is a glimpse into the lives of several families raised within some of the most legendary haunted houses in America:
1. The Summers/Arnett Family – Edge of Hell, Beast, and Macabre Cinema
For over fifty years, the Summers/Arnett family has become synonymous with haunting in Kansas City. Their empire includes three legendary locations, and each member has a role in the haunting experience. From makeup design to set operations, their legacy involves training the next generation in the art of scaring. Amber Arnett-Bequeaith and her uncle continue to innovate, ensuring their haunted attractions remain a staple in the fright industry.
2. Ben Armstrong's Family – NETHERWORLD, GA
At NETHERWORLD, famed for its movie-quality sets, the children of co-creator Ben Armstrong grew up surrounded by larger-than-life monsters. They have embraced roles in creative and operational capacities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a haunted attraction, ensuring that the family legacy of fright continues.
3. The Bates Family – Bates Motel Haunted Hayride, PA
The Bates family illustrates how a haunted attraction can be a family business. Their children grew up helping out in various capacities, gaining hands-on experience from an early age. Today, they manage everything from concessions to security, demonstrating that teamwork is the key to their continued success.
4. Mike Henrie's Son – Nightmare on 13th, UT
Mike Henrie’s son, Skyler, started at a young age, initially terrified to walk through the haunted house. He eventually became a vital part of the operation by overseeing numerous actors and ensuring that the scares keep coming, showing that picking up the family legacy is a rewarding journey.
5. Dylan DeFatta – Haunted Trail of Balboa Park, CA
Greg DeFatta’s son, Dylan, has channeled his childhood enthusiasm into a leadership role at the Haunted Trail. He began by acting as a scareactor and has since transitioned into design and operations, showcasing how passion can lead to unexpected career paths within the family business.
6. Erebus Haunted Attraction, MI
After the loss of its co-founder, the Terebus family stepped up to maintain Erebus's reputation. The next generation has ensured that Erebus remains a top destination for thrill-seekers, emphasizing the importance of family bonds in keeping the haunting spirit alive.
7. Talon Falls Screampark, KY
At Talon Falls, the Ferren family has involved their daughter in various roles since she was 12. Today, she leads the actor department and plays a pivotal role in productions, demonstrating the growth path from a young helper to a leader.
These personal tales emphasize that these haunted attractions serve as foundational experiences for creativity and empowerment. As families come together to scare, they also learn invaluable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and the spirit of adventure. As the haunt season approaches, visitors can expect to be treated to experiences that are not only chilling but also enriched with the legacy of those who crafted them.
Amber Arnett-Bequeaith encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. She asserts that growing up in these haunted settings teaches lessons about fear that can be both fun and empowering. By facing fear as a collective family, these children learn not just how to scare people, but how to bond and create lasting memories in an imaginative environment. The next time you're seeking thrills, remember that every scream carries a tale of resilience, creativity, and family legacy.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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