Haunted Houses: an insightful look at the Fall Season

Adam Larson, Managing Editor

October 26, 2012

As the fall season has quickly approached and the leaves have changed color and briskly fallen off the trees, summer has gradually drifted away and in its place a variety of activities to do while maintaining a festive attitude. One of these festive activities is checking out the nearest haunted houses that are spooky in their own nature. Not only are these haunted houses horrifying and creepy, but they offer excitement during the cool fall nights in Bethel Park.

Junior Matt Barnes knows best as he visits most of the haunted houses around the suburbs of Pittsburgh and even Western Pennsylvania. Matt visited 100 Acres Manor in South Park, Fright Night at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Scare House in Etna, and Terror Town in the Strip District.

Matt will never forget his experiences at any of these frightening and gory haunted houses. “I love each haunted house in their own way, but Hundred Acres Manor will always be my favorite,” Matt said.

Mostly everyone in the student body of BPHS has heard of or been to Hundred Acres Manor. Hundred Acres Manor usually makes or improves a section of the “fright” each year when they annually open the “haunt.”

According to Matt, the enhancement and addition of the opening section of 100 Acres Manor has undoubtedly enriched the experience as a whole.

Furthermore, the main question is why does anyone take interest in attending a haunted house? To be spontaneously scared? To be with your friends?

Matt stated, “I like being with my friends, getting scared, and watching my friends get scared.” As Matt visits these haunted houses scattered throughout Western PA, he waits in long lines in hopes of being scared and chased in a frightening manner.

At Hundred Acres Manor, Matt always hopes to get his money’s worth due to the fact that the price of admission has spiked from $16 to $18. Even though the price has spiked, the funds go to charity, which is even more of an incentive to fork over the cash.

Matt has always been interested in daunting haunted houses. He said, “I got interested in haunted houses when I went to Hundred Acres Manor in fourth grade.”

Nevertheless, Hundred Acres Manor is an eminent haunted house across Pennsylvania and can be compared to other haunted houses across the region in numerous ways.

“I think I have more fun at Hundred Acres Manor every time I go, but I will say I notice and enjoy the changes that occur over the eleven month off season,” Matt said.

Evidently, Hundred Acres Manor constantly and consistently ameliorates their haunted house as a whole; thus, its competitors aren’t in the same league despite their continuous efforts in the eyes of Matt and numerous individuals across the student body.

Clearly, the fall season infuses felicity and bliss into the most popular Haunted Houses across Western Pennsylvania.

About the Contributor

Adam Larson, Editor-in-Chief

When one thinks of Hawk Eye, one thinks of the award winning journalist Adam Larson. More than just the face of the Hawk Eye, Adam Larson excels in much more than journalism and this is that story. To get to know a little more about Adam, he mentions what he likes to do in his free time. This includes teaching CCD, participating in his church's youth group, and participating in Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout. Larson said of his extracurricular activities, “I just like to keep myself busy.” Adam’s story with Hawk Eye goes back to his sophomore year, when he joined the upstart school newspaper. Larson said on why he joined, “I joined because I enjoy writing, and I wanted to be a part of the change from a paper to an online newspaper.” Larson’s history with school newspapers dates back to 7^th grade, when he joined Independence Middle School’s student newspaper. Not just an experienced writer, Larson is also an award-winning writer. His articles have won Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards from the Pennsylvania School Press Association. With his history in scholastic newspapers, Larson also details a vision for Hawk Eye. Which consists of new articles every day, videos, and a PSPA gold publication. Larson also wants to take a larger role in leadership in Hawk Eye. Adam wishes to use his experience to give advice to other writers. A very skilled writer, his articles mainly consist of Features and News. He is widely known for his regular feature “From the Desk of Dr. J.” Larson plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to study engineering. He told of his job shadowing experience with a Petroleum Engineer over the summer, calling it a very interesting experience. Larson said, “I prefer science, and I still joined Hawk Eye, because I am going to use writing for the rest of my life. Everybody will use writing. Just because I want to study engineering does not mean I can not enjoy writing.” The character that is Adam Larson is truly a unique person. His enigmatic personality will bring Hawk Eye to new heights. Written by Sean Miehl, Staff Writer