The summer solstice isn’t for another week and a half, but the weather of late has certainly jumpstarted those summer vibes. Thunderstorms and tornados can make for some scary stuff, and that’s fitting I suppose, because spooky news is in the air this June. Grab yourself a summer pumpkin (a watermelon, of course), brandish that favorite carving knife, and let’s take a stab at the latest haunted headlines.
SILENT SCREAM
It was announced yesterday that The Scream Machine will not operate this fall as the Taylor, Michigan mainstay once again is in search of a new home. But don’t be so glum, chum, because ownership has already announced that they intend to jolt the attraction back to life in 2027. The Scream Machine is no stranger to relocation, having been housed in no less than five locations over its multi-decade existence. I first visited this refuse-to-die attraction many moons ago, way back in 2002 when it was located inside the Sheridan Community Center at Heritage Park.
Do you have fond memories of The Scream Machine over the years? I want to hear all about it in the comments. If you’re interested in my stories of the machine that screams eternal, well, just use the links that I’ve included below, silly.
2007 REVIEW: Downriver Haunt Review
2009 REVIEW: Trio of Downriver Haunts Spark Season
2024 REVIEW: The Machine Screams Eternal
BLACKLIGHT SUN
As the haunted attraction industry has grown in popularity, its darkened tentacles have reached beyond the Halloween season. We’ve grown accustomed to haunts that unwrap a twisted Christmas and those who feature love-gone-bad attractions for Valentine’s Day. In recent years, Halfway to Halloween events have provided entertainment in the month of May. It seems now that at least some haunted attractions are determined to offer the scares into Summer.
One such haunt that will be doing just that later this month is Hell’s Dungeon in Dayton, Ohio. Now, I’ve not yet paid this location a visit, but consider my interest piqued. As best as I can figure, the usual show lights will be snuffed in favor of an ultraviolet atmosphere, a type of light more commonly known as blacklight.
Rumors of a group called The Rejects has spread across social media. Their endgame is clear: multiply the brood. Patrons will navigate the halls of Hell’s Dungeon with a clear objective in mind: Avoid The Rejects and do not get marked! How exactly will this ragtag bunch attempt to mark you as one of their own? Your guess is as good as mine, but when we consider the type of substances typically revealed under blacklight…well, keep some cleaning supplies handy!
However, The Rejects, it would seem, will not be alone. Someone or something named Rufus is set to return to Hell’s Dungeon and put an end to the reign of The Rejects! Is Rufus a savoir or an even more ruthless enemy? Does being marked by The Rejects act as a lure for this Rufus? Is it possible that the mark of The Rejects is meant to protect you from a horrible fate?! Is is all a cleverly disguised ruse between Rufus and The Rejects?! Rufus and The Rejects — you know, that’s not a bad name for a goth punk band.
All will be revealed at Hell’s Dungeon Neon Nightmare later this month in a two-night event on June 26th and 27th. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online: Neon Nightmare at Hell’s Dungeon.
Hell’s Dungeon is located at 3866 Linden Ave. in Dayton, Ohio.
