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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

“Rock Your Weekend” Ticket Provides Guests with an Entire Weekend of Fun, Fellowship and Rock and Roll

Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock The Universe 2010 is one of the most exciting celebrations of Christian music in the nation, and the “Rock Your Weekend” ticket allows guests to experience three full days of soul-stirring rock and roll, amazing entertainment and the world-class thrills of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Individual tickets are only available until Sept. 3 and will not be sold at the gate. Group tickets are only available until Sept. 8 and will not be sold at the gate.

The “Rock Your Weekend” ticket is priced at $99.95 for individual tickets and $89.95 for group tickets and includes:

·         Access to all Rock The Universe concerts on Sept. 10 and 11

·         Three full days of admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

·         Access to the candle-lighting ceremony and Sunday morning worship services

This year’s Rock The Universe lineup features 14 of the hottest Christian music bands in the industry, including five-time Grammy award-winning group Jars of Clay; hit band Relient K – featuring popular songs like “Forgiven” and “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been;” Skillet – whose unique symphonic rock sound inspires fans everywhere; and Needtobreathe – whose music has been featured in hit movies and television shows like “The Hills,” “Employee of the Month” and “P.S. I Love You.”


ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2010 LINEUP

ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2010 LINEUP
Friday, September 10
Saturday, September 11
Skillet
Relient K
Newsboys
tobyMac
Jars of Clay
Jeremy Camp
Hawk Nelson
Grits
Decyfer Down
Needtobreathe
Kutless
Fireflight
Chuck Tocco
Jeff Chandler

** Names in bold indicate headlining acts.

Two-night admission to Rock The Universe is priced at $84.95 for individual tickets and includes admission after 4 p.m. to Universal Studios Florida and all Rock The Universe concerts. A one-night individual ticket is priced at $49.95 for advance purchase and $57.95 for day-of purchase.

Information:    Visit www.RockTheUniverse.com or call 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636).

KNOTT’S HALLOWEEN HAUNT IS OPENING THE GATES!

-- World’s First, Largest, and Longest Running Halloween Event Returns with
New Mazes, New Shows and New Blood --

BUENA PARK, Calif. (September 2010) – Knott’s Scary Farm is preparing for the witching season, the annual opening of the world’s largest Halloween celebration in the world – Knott’s Halloween Haunt.  Starting September 24 and running for 27 horrifying nights the typically family friendly theme park will transform itself for its willing victims into 160-acres of sheer terror.
Knott’s Halloween Haunt continues to be the leader in theme park Halloween events offering a whopping 13 mazes, seven hair-raising shows, three horrific scare zones and 1,000 roaming monsters roaming throughout the entire park. 

NEW MAZES

Locked in a cement grave for decades, hidden deep below the depths of the lake, an abandoned “Fallout Shelter (in 3D)” is crawling with human /genetic hybrids, toxic mutants, and a host of nuclear freaks all hungry for carnage.  Grab your Geiger counters and put on your radiation suits these residents are ravenous.

Ghosts and ghouls, witches and goblins, long legged beasts and things that go bump in the night are all at your heels as you travel through the night through “Sleepy Hollow.”  Specters and phantoms and legends of long ago haunt the living.  Can you outrun the Headless Horseman?  Can you keep your wits, or will you lose your head as well?

Welcome to Pleasanton – Population: Zero.  The highly infectious “Virus Z” has turned the entire town into cannibal zombies and you’re this week’s special.  Hordes of bloodthirsty corpses roam the small town in search of fresh meat.  Help has arrived, but they are not on a rescue mission – they are here to wall off the entire town from civilization.

RETURNING MAZES

The inmates really are running the asylum in this nightmare prison, “Lockdown: The Asylum,” and insanity reigns supreme. The inmates are out of their cells and their minds.  And don’t scream for help, this hostile takeover has the authorities running for cover!

Step back in time and into the fog-filled streets of London where a host of infamous characters are on the prowl terrorizing city dwellers.  Step lively or you may fall victim to Jack the Ripper’s blade or Dr.  Jekyll’s twisted experiments as Big Ben rings out in “Terror of London.”  God save the Queen…..and you!

Venture into the forbidden jungle of El Chupacabra where sacrificial blood rains down from the sky.  The screams of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, echo around you and the creatures of the night crawl from their crypts – “Dia de los Muertos,” the “Day of the Dead” has arrived!

Step right up!  Don’t be shy!  Welcome to “Uncle Bobo’s Big Top of the Bizarre in 3D.”  Inside you will find a villainous variety of vaudevillian visages to vex even the most valiant voyeurs!  It’s the greatest slaughter on earth with clown carnage galore!
Enter “The Labyrinth” for a journey through a forgotten forest and into the dark catacombs that lie beneath a ruined castle.  The evil king is dead, but his cursed court still haunts the dark passageways and mythical beasts come to life as you try to navigate the never-ending corridors.

Folk’s from near and far come a-runnin for Farmer Willy’s world famous BBQ!  You can smell the sizzling meat from miles away.  And now you can learn his secret  first hand as you enter “The Slaughterhouse.”  Farmer Willy will think you are prime beef as he sets out to auction you off to the highest bidder, tenderize you with his chainsaw, and grind you into a tasty meat treat.  Bon Appetit!

Black Widow’s Cavern” takes you to the heart of an abandoned mine overrun by a horrific pack of deadly arachnids.

A trip to “The Doll Factory” reveals a twisted museum of death and disfigurement as you are pursued by the Marionette Murderer, a psychotic killer who turns his beautiful victims into life-size porcelain dolls.

In “Club Blood” the music is hypnotic and the cocktails are bloody.  In the dark underbelly of the city human victims are drained of their life to nourish the children of the night.  Join the hypnotic dance macabre and explore the darkest nightlife around.

It’s harvest time and the crop is you in “Corn Stalkers.”  Plunge into rows and rows of rotting corn and try to evade the blood thirsty monstrosities seeking to impale you on their razor sharp scythes.

    Heart pounding?  If not, Haunt’s Scare Zones will take care of that!  These dark, fog-filled, face-to-face monster encounters stretch throughout the Park and will sneak up on you before you have time to take a final breath. 

NEW SCARE ZONE

Take a sightseeing tour of Knott’s newest scare zone, “Necropolis,” a vampire world of flesh and machine, of gears and steam.  Journey through the streets of this steam punk influenced city of the dead and discover the only truth in town:  Blood is power.

There is no place quite like “Ghost Town,” home to a whole cast of night stalkers including the notorious Sliders who lurk in every fog-filled corner.  You can’t see your hand in front of face as you try and navigate the winding streets that may just lead to the graveyard!

Knott’s Boardwalk is taken over by “CarnEVIL,” where the freak show is the main event and clowns crave your undying attention.

SHOWS

A trip to Halloween Haunt would not be complete without the shows!  See one, see them all – Knott’s entertainment offers so many twisted choices.

In the Ghoul Time Theatre Ed Alonzo offers up his “Psycho Circus of Magic and Mayhem.”  This self-proclaimed Misfit of Magic brings slight-of-hand, slight-of-mouth and slight of mind to this insane, psycho-sensory production.

The Wagon Camp will be ablaze with Inferno.  This lethal combination of fire, dance and pulsating music returns to create one of Haunt’s “hottest” shows with fire poi, staves, swords, hoops, fire eating and more!

At Necropolis Theatre guests can watch the ghoulishly great performance of Street Drum Corps’ BANG!’s “Blood Drums” show.  BANG!’s high energy drumming quartet  is known for their unique blend of amazing percussion skills with ordinary found objects.  Take in the pulsating power as this extraordinary drum troupe mesmerizes with percussive rhythm, music and lights.

For those who enjoy improvisational comedy, the Hacks! group presentation of “Die, Die, Die!” will have you in stitches with their maniacal humor. And in the Boardwalk Ballroom the Hypnochick will have you mesmerized.

At the CarnEVIL stage, “Zamora’s Sideshow of the Bizarre” returns.  Zamora, the King of Torture, amazes audiences with his mind blowing, invasive, self-inflicted pain and torture.  He amuses, amazes and makes your skin crawl! 

And of course no Haunt would be complete without the legendary “Hanging” in Calico Scare.  The Calico Courthouse has been transformed into a mausoleum where the townsfolk are invited to gather and let their voices be heard.  Evil must be punished!


Knott’s Halloween Haunt dates are September 24-26, September 30-Oct. 3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31, 2010.  Event hours are 7pm - 1am; Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm-2am.
The Halloween Haunt at Knott’s Scary Farm is a special ticket event not covered by regular Knott’s Berry Farm admission.  Ticket prices are $33 - $50 presale online and $56 day of event.

    Haunt tickets are available at Knott’s Guest Relations, can be purchase by phone at Knott’s Haunt Line (714) 220-5000 or online at www.knotts.com (service charges apply).
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In addition to the event itself, Knott’s offers the popular “add-ons.”  Packages for fright fans wishing to expand their experience include the park’s “Pre-Scare Dinner,” offering ticket holders dinner and early access to the event; three Haunt-inspired overnight packages at the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel; and a VIM (Very Important Monster) Escorted Tour for up to 6 guests. 

Once again Knott’s Pre-Scare Dinner Special offers Haunt ticket holders a  themed “boo-ffet” dinner followed by early entry into Haunt a few minutes before it opens to the public.  This VIP dinner is $20.99 including tax and gratuity (does not include Haunt event tickets).  This special offer is available each night to Haunt ticket holders only with advance dinner reservations.  For reservations, visit Knotts.com or call (714) 220-5055.  Walk-up boo-ffet price is $25.99.

For Knott’s Scary Farm guests looking to prolong their Halloween experience – or who are just too scared to drive home, Halloween themed hotel packages are available at Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel starting as low as $149.  Three packages are available which include various amenities and tickets to the premier Halloween themed event, Knott’s Scary Farm’s Halloween Haunt.  For reservations or more information, call the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel at (714) 995-1111 or (866) 752-2444 or visit www.knottshotel.com.

For guests wanting to minimize their time waiting in Halloween Haunt attraction queues, Knott’s offers a VIM (Very Important Monster) Escorted Tour featuring event admission and front of the line access to Haunt attractions.  Prices are $2,000 for 1-6 guests (includes one personal escort).  Please call (714) 220-5298 for reservations.

Halloween Haunt is a scary event and definitely not recommended for children under 13.  There are no guest costumes or re-entry privileges allowed for this event.

For the younger set, Snoopy’s Costume Party in Camp Snoopy is an alternative daytime non-scare celebration of Halloween cheer rather than fear offered weekends October 2-31, 10 am to 5 pm and is included with regular park admission.  This special, family event includes friendly monsters, a kid-friendly maze, crafts, and of course, trick-or-treat stations.  For more general event information on Halloween Haunt, call the Haunt Line at (714) 220-5200.  Press inquiries should be directed to (714) 220-5130. 

KaTonga's Curtain Closes; Spectacular New Cirque Show Takes the Stage at Busch Gardens

KaTonga's Curtain Closes,
Spectacular New Cirque Show Takes the Stage

Tampa, Fla. (September 2010) - After a six-year run of more than 10,000 shows, the curtain is closing on KaTonga: Musical Tales from the Jungle at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Moroccan Palace Theater. KaTonga's last performance will be September 6. With KaTonga, Busch Gardens brought Broadway performances to theme parks. The elegant show delivered inspiring songs and a rich tapestry of color and sound. It took guests on a journey to the heart of Africa in a musical celebration of animal folklore. Masterful costume design, energetic original music and spectacular African-inspired dance combined to create a performance that always left guests cheering for more.

More is coming this winter -- the groundbreaking Broadway hit created and directed by Neil Goldberg -- Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy.  Experience this exotic encounter inspired by nature's unpredictable creations and brought to life by an international cast of soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, musicians and spectacular costumes beyond your wildest imagination.  Nominated for "Best Costume Design" by the American Theatre Wing,this inventive theatrical journey is action-packed with astounding feats that will leave audiences spellbound.    Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy will usher in more of what fans have come to love and expect from Busch Gardens -- incredible stage shows, the likes of which cannot be found at any other theme park in the nation.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Wonder Wheel's 90th Birthday, Saturday Sept 4th!

CELEBRATE THE WONDER WHEEL’S 90TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
WITH Live music, great performance, & prizes!
September 4, 2010
4pm-8pm

In the heart of Coney Island, standing 150 ft high is the centerpiece of the renaissance of this world-famous playground area, Deno's WONDER WHEEL Amusement Park.

Join us for a grand celebration of Deno’s Wonder Wheel’s 90th Birthday on September 4thin Coney Island .  Live entertainment on the Boardwalk and at The Wonder Wheel from 4-8pm.

Hosted By The World Famous *BOB*

Featuring Live music by The Hungry March Band, The Banjo Rascals & Curtis Eller

with performances by Coney Island Talent Show winners; Phineas, Jason Perez, The Minsky Sisters, M’Lady Uppercrust, & The Amazing Amy

Also renowned performers; The Wau Wau Sisters, Miss Saturn, The Maine Attraction, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Ambrose, The Animal Crackers & Lady Circus

Plus Clowns, Face painters, stilt walkers and more!

All those who ride the amazing NYC Landmark Deno's Wonder Wheel will receive a FREE Wonder Wheel 90th Anniversary collectible button!

An instantly recognizable part of the skyline, Deno's WONDER WHEEL weighs in at 400,000 pounds and carries 144 people at a time on either swinging and stationery passenger gondola cars deliver a spectacular view of the beach, Boardwalk and NYC skyline.   Over 30 million riders have enjoyed a trip on this NYC Landmark attraction during its continuous operation since 1920 with a perfect safety record.

Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Boardwalk at W. 12th St  (718 372 2592)

www.WonderWheel.com

Worlds of Fun Lowers Prices on 2011 Season Passes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. − Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Mo, the region’s premier entertainment destination, kicks off 2011 Season Pass sales with lower prices during Labor Day weekend.  Guests planning ahead and purchasing during this 3-day sale will receive the lowest possible price on 2011 Season Passes.

Through Monday, September 6, 2010, a 2011 Gold Pass, including admission to both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, plus free parking and a huge list of benefits all season long, is just $79.99 plus tax, $30 less than the regular rate. Not only do guests ride, slide, and park for free all summer long, the Gold Pass also includes admission to the region’s largest Halloween event, Halloween Haunt in the fall of 2011.  Plus, new for 2011, Season Pass holders will be among the first to experience Planet Snoopy, a $5 million expansion boasting six new rides and a complete renovation of the park’s current kids area.

For even more value, the Platinum Pass includes admission and parking at all Cedar Fair amusement parks and waterparks, all for only $145 plus tax.  Worlds of Fun only, Oceans of Fun only, and Junior/Senior rates are also available. Prices are valid Saturday, September 4, through Monday, September 6, 2010.

Guests wishing to purchase 2011 Season Passes at the lowest price this weekend may choose from a variety of ordering options.  Purchase in person at the park all Labor Day Weekend, online at worldsoffun.com, or by phone at 816.454.4655.

“The Labor Day Weekend sale gives families an opportunity to purchase 2011 passes at an amazing price,” states Frank Wilburn, Vice President and General Manager at Worlds of Fun. “When compared to other season pass programs in the area, we feel like we offer an unbeatable value for families."

Upcoming Special Events at Wabash County Historical Museum

Get Out Your Calendar!  GREAT Series Events on the Horizon!

History Hunters Event:  Thursday, September 23 at noon.  Speaker to be determined.  This is a great series that allows you to come to the museum on your lunch break,  bring your brown bag lunch, and learn about an historical topic while you eat!  Please call to reserve your spot.

Red Carpet Club:  Thursday, October 28 at 6 pm.  To get in the Halloween mood, we’ll be watching “Psycho II”, another film that John Corso worked on.  John will tell us all his interesting stories about this movie.

SPECIAL EVENT!!!!  Hannah’s Town:  Wednesday, November 3 at 7 pm.  Dr. Bill Wimberly will speak about his eagerly awaited book, Hannah’s Town:  A Little World We Have Lost.  This book, arriving in late October, is a social history of Wabash from 1826 to 1902.  After Bill’s speech, he will sign books.  I KNOW WHAT EVERYONE ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST IS GETTING!  (For those of you who live out of town, we can mail copies to you!)

History Hunters Event:  Thursday, November 18 at noon.   Our speaker will be Joe Krom, author of the historical novel, Heart of a Warrior:  The True Saga of Sweet Breeze and William Wells.  His topic will be “Frontier Battles on the Eel and Wabash Rivers .”

Red Carpet Club:  Thursday, December 23 at 6 pm.   Such a busy time of year, I know, but save this date for a special treat!  We’ll be watching “A Christmas Story”!  Indiana connection?  It is set in Hammond ! 

http://www.wabashmuseum.org/

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Tickets Now on Sale for 'Halloween Horror Nights' at Universal Studios Hollywood Where the Legends of Horror Come to Life for 17 Nights Beginning September 24

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Aug 27, 2010  -- With five new maze experiences, new "Scare Zones," a new "Terror Tram" backlot experience and the addition of the blockbuster new attraction, "King Kong 360 3D" Created by Peter Jackson - the world's largest, most intense 3D experience - Universal Studios Hollywood(SM) is preparing to bring the legends of movie horror to life for Halloween Horror Nights(R), Southern California's most terrifying and exciting Halloween event. Tickets are now on sale at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/hollywood including a new "Killer Deal Nights" option, providing discounts of up to $25 for selected dates. Advance purchase is recommended as event nights will sell out.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood begins Friday, September 24 and continues on weekends and other select nights through Sunday, October 31.

Halloween Horror Nights mazes will include the all-new "A Nightmare On Elm Street(TM): Never Sleep Again," "Friday the 13th(TM): Kill, Jason, Kill!," "Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses in 3D Zombievison," "Vampyre: Castle of the Undead" plus "Saw: Game On." Among the six "Scare Zones" is a new "La Llorona" experience, based upon the timeless Mexican legend.

"Chucky's Revenge" - an all-new "Terror Tram" experience -- plus an express visit to the new blockbuster attraction, "King Kong 360 3D" Created by Peter Jackson and an all-new "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure" show will also be featured within the event.

Universal Studios Hollywood's favorite thrill-ride attractions will also remain open for "Halloween Horror Nights" nocturnal affair, many with menacing twists. Favorites include "The Simpsons Ride(TM)," "Revenge of the Mummy(SM) - The Ride" and "Jurassic Park(R) In the Dark."

Updates on "Halloween Horror Nights" will be available at HalloweenHorrorNights.com and also on Twitter and Facebook, as Creative Director John Murdy reveals a running chronicle of exclusive information. Fans are invited to follow John Murdy on Twitter at: Twitter.com/HorrorNights or via Facebook at: "Halloween Horror Nights - Hollywood (Official)."

Halloween Horror Nights will continue on consecutive weekends and selected weekday nights beginning Friday, September 24 through Halloween, Sunday, October 31. Event dates are: September 24, 25 and October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16,17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31. The event will begin nightly at 7 p.m.; closing hours vary by night throughout the event.