When the air begins to chill, and leaves are turning brown, it is a sign that Halloween is just around the corner…And so, now, is your “worst nightmare.”

Paramount’s Carowinds will provide over 50 acres of unbelievable thrills to Halloween enthusiasts this October when it transforms itself into “Scarowinds,” a haunted theme park. This one of a kind Halloween event will be open to guests every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m. to midnight and will feature never before seen haunted areas and attractions.

Larry Kirchner, president of Halloween Productions Inc. in St. Louis will oversee the development of Scarowinds. “I doubt the Carolinas have ever experienced a Halloween production of this magnitude,” he said. “I have produced Halloween events at sites all over the country, and this is going to be one of the biggest and best I’ve been associated with.”

“Once our guests enter the gates, they will quickly understand that this is not your usual theme park experience,” said Wendy Oglesby, vice president of marketing at Paramount’s Carowinds. “Instead, it’s an ultimate Halloween experience right in the middle of a thrilling theme park.”

Scarowinds Experience

The House of Darkness: A traditional gothic haunted house patterned after a once opulent Victorian manor that now appears to be nothing more than a burnt out shell of its former self. Even though the building is in ruin, the rumors of strange inhabitants persist throughout the 5,000 square foot house. Some speculate that a coven of vampires have taken over the lease.

Terror Vision 3-D: This one of a kind 3-D nightmare, exclusive to the Carolinas, brings the circus to town. But it’s not your ordinary Big Top. As you pass through the entrance, the doors slam shut behind you. Now there is no turning back from the frightening adventure that lies ahead.

Voodoo Island: The area once known as Smurf Island at Paramount’s Carowinds has now become a setting remnant of New Orleans, a city known for Mardi Gras, spicy Cajun food, and …voodoo. Down a darkened path, overgrown with trees and weeds, Halloween enthusiasts will enter the heart of madness and soon discover that they are among zombies in advanced stages of decay on the only haunted island in the Carolinas.

Maze of Madness: Chain link and mirrors make up this challenging maze. Don’t be surprised if you never find your way out. Fear not, however. Someone…or something is sure to find you.

Other Attractions

In addition, many other rides and attractions in the park will be transformed to complete the Scarowinds nightmare. Some of these attractions are described below.

Camp Ha-Chet-Taw Log Flume: A twisted thrill has been added to the attraction many have ridden at Paramount’s Carowinds. Take the dare and face the wicked tricks that await.

Superstition: The Paramount Action FX Theater will be changed to an old theater promising frightfully interactive entertainment and a special midnight matinee — presented in spine tingling 3-D. All of your grizzly, gruesome favorites are sure to be playing.

Sleepy Hollow: At first glance what seems to be harmless pumpkins, hay-bails and bundles of cornstalks are recognized as mere camouflage for slumping scarecrows propped here and there that may spring to life.

More Information

For more information on Paramount’s Carowinds, guests should call 704-588-2600 in North Carolina, 803-548-5300 in South Carolina, toll-free at 1-800-888-4FUN

Tickets to Scarowinds are available through all Ticketmaster outlets or the Paramount’s Carowinds box office. To charge by phone through Ticketmaster, please call 704-522-6500. Tickets are $24.99. Special discounted tickets are available to Season Pass members only at the Paramount’s Carowinds box office during park operating hours.

This event is recommended for persons age 12 and older.