ELECTION YEAR IN DREAD HOLLOW BRINGS NEW TERROR

The cursed town of Dread Hollow returns for its annual fall haunting with new terrors waiting for unsuspecting visitors brave enough to step foot onto the Lookout Valley property.

Dread Hollow, a haunted attraction of Ruby Falls, first appeared 16 years ago as a haunted town cursed for the execution of 13 innocent young women as witches. With each fall reappearance since, the Halloween attraction has grown in intensity in its thrills and chills.

Dread Hollow is introducing three new haunted experiences and five unnerving escape rooms when it opens Sept. 27, continuing through Oct. 31.

This season’s theme is “A Town Divided,” as evil forces vie for power in the election of Dread Hollow’s next mayor. Mayor Al’s sinister puppet companion has taken control of Dread Hollow. His opposition, Rikkets, promises to bring new blood to town. Visitors choose a side and cast their vote to decide the fate of his doomed town.

More than 20,000 square feet has been set up with elaborately detailed sets, professional actors, extensive special effects and chilling costuming and makeup.

Those brave enough to visit will explore Mercy Hospital, a long-shuttered hot spot of paranormal activity, and follow the beckoning call beyond city gates to the dark heart of Bloodwood, a disenchanted forest from which there is no escape. Discover the unsettling secret to immortality in Contagion, the labyrinth of catacombs and storm drains far beneath the streets of Dread Hollow.

“The haunt is recommended only for ages 12 and older due to its intensity,” says Kara Van Brunt, senior director of operations for Ruby Falls. “Now in our 16th year of creating the premier haunt in the region, Dread Hollow 2019 adds yet another level of terror to this Chattanooga tradition.”

In 2018, Dread Hollow was the No. 1 fan-voted haunt in the nation on scurryface.com, and the Southeast Tourism Society has selected it as a Top 20 event for the last three years.

“Dread Hollow earns its reputation as one of the most horrifyingly innovative haunts in the nation by evolving each season and delivering totally new experiences,” says Todd Patton, co-creator of Dread Hollow.

“(This year) brings the largest haunt yet with more extreme elements and unexpected twists, including giving visitors a hand in determining the town’s fate by casting a

If you go

› What: Dread

Hollow

› Where: 321 Browns Ferry Road

› When: 7-10 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 7-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Sept. 27-Oct. 31

› Admission: $22, $40 RIP Fast Pass; escape rooms $5-$15

› For more information: https:// www.dread hollow.com/

vote for the next mayor — if they are brave enough,” says Patton.

Visitors can also try to beat the clock in five separately ticketed Deliverance Escape Rooms, including three brand new rooms and completely redesigned challenges in two popular returning rooms.

For the blood-redcarpet treatment, purchase a RIP Fast Pass, which gives access to the RIP Lounge, Dread Hollow swag and discounts on merchandise and photography.

For more info: https:// www.dreadhollow.com/

RUBY FALLS CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Rikkets is a candidate for mayor of Dread Hollow at the annual Halloween attraction, and it’s no laughing matter.