THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 16, 1994 TAG: 9410140219
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
Wanted: ghouls and ghosties and long-legged beasties and things that go bump - and volunteer - in the night.
The Northwest River Park Ghost Train, a Halloween-season tradition in Chesapeake, needs help.
``We really need volunteers to help with all aspects of the Ghost Train,'' said Ghost Train organizer and eight-year volunteer Scott Hasty. ``Right now we have about 20 to 30 people, and we need a good 60 to 70 people to run this thing effectively.''
The Northwest River Park Ghost Train drives through the park's winding paths and into its spooky darkness, as volunteer actors, backed by lighting and other theatrical effects, jump out to scare the riders, all in the name of fun and to help raise funds to benefit the park.
``The money we raise is put back right into the park,'' Hasty said. ``The funds are well-used. The Northwest River Park is beautiful, a wonderful asset for Chesapeake and the region.''
Each Halloween season the train drives through a ``story,'' generally a set of scenarios that tells some horror story written by the event's creative volunteers.
``We start writing the story and planning for next year's Ghost Train around January,'' Hasty said.
This year's theme or ``story'' will concern a time-travel experiment that will take the patrons through different ``horrific scenes.''
``That's all I can say,'' said Hasty, who has a background in theater and make-up effects. ``We want to surprise people. But I can say there will be some large skits with lots of pyrotechnics and effects.''
Hasty said it's usually a struggle to get volunteers but in the past they usually come forward at the last minute. He's hoping that will happen again.
There will be an informal rehearsal today and a full-dress rehearsal on Tuesday, Hasty said.
Last-minute volunteers are more than welcome.
``We'll throw them into it quick; we'll teach them or show them what to do'' he said. ``We need all types of volunteers, to do everything from acting in the scenes to support help. And we need volunteers we can depend on, volunteers who are willing be there each night.''
For those who don't want to perform, Hasty said, volunteers are also needed to run lights, park cars, sell concessions and take tickets.
``We need people for simple things like popping out of a coffin or beating a baseball bat on a trash-can lid just to scare the living hell out of folks,'' Hasty said.
Even though the train is having some difficulties in getting volunteers, it has no problems getting the public out.
``We sell out every year,'' he said. ``This is one of the most popular Halloween events around.''
Hasty's hoping that this very popular event won't be diminished because of lack of volunteers. And for those who do volunteer, he guarantees a good time.
``It's a blast,'' he said. ``After its over, you should hear the stories the volunteers tell about scaring people and having a good time. It's well worth it.'' ILLUSTRATION: GHOSTLY TICKETS
Tickets for the Northwest River Park Ghost Train, which are $3
per person, are currently on sale at the park office, 1733 Indian
Creek Road, off of South Battlefield Boulevard.
Ghost Train dates are Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 27-29. Trains leave the
station every half-hour between 7-10 p.m. Each train can handle up
to 45 people.
More information is available by calling the park office at
421-7151.
HELP NEEDED
Anyone who would like to volunteer for the Northwest River Park
Ghost Train is invited to attend an informal rehearsal today at 4
p.m. A full-dress rehearsal takes place Tuesday at 6 p.m., but new
volunteers are urged to come at 5:30 p.m.
All rehearsals take place at the park on Indian Creek Road, about
3 1/2 miles east of Battlefield Boulevard in the city's southeast
section.
Volunteers are needed for all jobs: actors, technicians, sound
effects and behind-the-scenes support work.
More information is available by calling the park at 421-7151.
by CNB