By Maddie Morales ’18, Lifestyle Editor

Illustration by Aadhya Ramineni ’19, Contributor

Shuffling around nervously, I clutch my friend’s hand as we move into our last maze of the night: CarnEvil. Do not get me wrong—I love all things horror. Scary movies and creepy stories are my favorite, but I have a fear of one thing in particular: clowns. The thing that makes most kids giggle makes me shudder. The CarnEvil maze terrified me, but I overcame my fear by plodding through it with eyes sealed shut; I remember nothing from it. Deciding to go to Halloween Haunt at King’s Island, I peremptorily knew that clowns would be there because of their association with horror. So why did I still go? I went because FearFest, a horror-themed event hosted by King’s Island, brings out the fun in everyone and humiliates us all.

Eleven different but equally terrifying mazes prey upon manifold possible fears including blood, hallucination, disease, clowns, and the dark. Fear, the feeling we crave and secretly enjoy when in control, gnaws at you the whole night. My favorite maze was Urgent Scare, a horrifying depiction of a hospital. Disease rampantly spread throughout the “ward.” Accomplished makeup skills created believable rashes and deteriorating skin.

I also enjoyed the simple pleasure of waking around the park. People clad in blood-tainted clothes and pleading expressions were both frightening and amazing to watch. Even if you are scared, what is the worst that can happen? Knowing that the employees are in costume and are not allowed to touch you is a comfort, though they seem so real when they jump out at you. Long lines are boring no longer because the actors decked out in costumes and makeup entertain you and your friends. This two-in-one deal, both mazes and rides, keeps you busy the whole night you are at King’s Island. Halloween Haunt differs from other fear-inducing activities around Cincinnati because it has roller coasters AND many unique mazes. In comparison to the Dent Schoolhouse, King’s Island was better because of its number and quality of labyrinths. Instead of one grand maze there are eleven, and those eleven are scarier. I would recommend Halloween Haunt to anyone who is not afraid to be uncomfortable and is over the age of ten. Go with a group so everyone has a chance to fearful and you can learn more about others. Have fun!