The Bedford First Parish UU Church Haunted House

For Sale

2011-03-27T12:03:00.000-04:00

Since 2010 was the last year of the First Parish Haunted House we are selling off a number of large props. Here is your chance to upgrade your haunt with some really excellent props.

Control Panels
Electrodes
Frankies rotational bed
lab Equipment
Animatronics
and a lot more.

If you are interested please contact me at
lostj2@verizon.net.
Scan through these pages and you will see all the items we have for sale. All proceeds go to First Parish Unitarian Universalist general fund Bedford MA.
First come first serve aslo please note all items are pick up only. Cash and carry...
Thank you

Karl

So long and thanks for all the fish.

2010-12-19T18:41:00.001-05:00

Here is the first half of a video archive for the last First Parish Haunted House. We hope you enjoyed the Haunted House over the past four years. We had a lot of fun putting it on but its time to let it go. So we hope you enjoy this video of this years event.
Enjoy!

First Parish donates over $1,400 to Bedford Food Pantry - Bedford, MA - Bedford Minuteman

2010-11-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

First Parish donates over $1,400 to Bedford Food Pantry - Bedford, MA - Bedford Minuteman

What a great Haunted House

2010-11-03T19:28:00.022-04:00

Thank you all for attending the 4th annual Haunted House at First Parish in Bedford. Thanks to Cynthia we have a few photos to document this years different themed rooms.

Morticia Addams takes time from her roses to welcomes you to this years Haunted House.

first stop the Dr Moreue

Next up - The Bedford Adventurers Club

King Puzturcoaton

Then onto Frankensteins Revenge!

Your next stop... The Twilight Zone

The Gate Room

Dr Howard - Dr Fine - Dr Howard

behind the scenes

Trick or Treat afternoon

We don't yet have pictures from the other areas of the Haunted House once we do well post them here.

WOW what a first night...

2010-10-30T07:27:00.000-04:00

We had a terrific turnout for opening night. For a dress rehearsal it could not have gone better lines were less the twenty minutes and the games and food area while full it was never over crowded. Today we need to redress a few of the rooms for the afternoon walk through Trick or Treat but will back up to scary mode by 6PM avoid the crowds and come early.

2010-10-26T21:19:00.004-04:00

Advance tickets will be available at the church office Thursday 8:00AM - 9:00AM & 5:00PM to 6:30PM

and Friday 8:00AM - 9:00AM only

Advance tickets Prices

Adults ----------$6.00

Kids* 3 to 14 ---$4.00

Seniors ---------$4.00

At Door Tickets

Adult -----------$10.00

Kids* 3 to 14 ---$5.00

Seniors ---------$5.00

any questions Gene 781-271-0396

They are coming for you...

2010-10-21T20:51:00.002-04:00

Well this will be the last post before the event. Things are coming together nicely we have all the actors deep in rehearsals. All the great props are starting there slow migration from storage to the floors where they will be assembled. Please note the entrance to the event this year is through the basement. That way if it rains folks can stay dry.

Happy Halloween!

Join us on the 26th at Flatbread Pizza for a fundraiser for the Bedford Food pantry

2010-10-16T07:26:00.002-04:00

Tuesday October 26, 5-9PM
Flatbreads Haunted Benefit Night
Flatbreads Haunted Benefit Night 213 Burlington Rd, Bedford. Flatbreads and The Haunted House at First Parish are hosting a "Haunted Benefit Night". All proceeds*, including dine-in and take-out, benefit the Bedford Food Pantry. If you would like to further help out the Food Pantry we are collecting new personal Hygiene items. (toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant…) *The Flatbread Company will donate $3.50 for each large flatbread and $1.75 for each small flatbread sold during the benefitDirections to Flatbread

Fri-Sat October 29-30th
Fourth Annual Haunted House at First Parish Bedford
75 The Great Road, Bedford. This year’s theme is a Monster Bash with rooms from classic movies and television (think Frankenstein, The Island of Dr. Monreau, the Twilight Zone, Zombies and a whole lot more). Friday and Saturday 10/29 and 10/30, from 6p – 9p, will be scary (not for younger kids). Saturday 10/30 from 1p – 4p set up for the younger ones to come and trick-or-treat throughout the Haunted House.

Here is the final map of the First Parish Haunted house

2010-10-14T20:31:00.002-04:00

Please note due to construction you will be entering from the south road side of the Church. We are having the ticket area in the lower level. Tents are being added to the cue to be certain that you stay dry while in the short line.

Accessibility during the the Haunted house - Building construction

2010-10-11T19:32:00.000-04:00

Accessibility during construction

First Parish is currently undergoing construction that limits accessibility. A temporary ramp is located at the front of the church to provide access to the first floor. We are sorry to say the haunted house is unavailable to those in wheel chairs or electric scooter.

Work on the replacement of our elevator continues on schedule. It is anticipated that we will return to providing accessibility to all programs and services on all three floors of the church by mid-November.

That means that the 2011 haunted house will have full access to all levels for the event. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause this year.

Beware the Aztec King

2010-10-10T17:00:00.001-04:00

The adventurers Club has a new guest this year. Beware the Aztec King and his plan to enslave the world!

Check out the new video done by my son Alex W and Music by Dean Groves

2010-10-09T15:30:00.006-04:00

It's coming for you... Here is a floor plan of the second floor for this year's haunt.

2010-10-03T08:24:00.006-04:00

Each room tells its own story and creepy adventures await to all that visit.

Here are some pics of parts for the Revenge of Frankenstein. the large wood structure on the left will be a master control board. The panels on the right will be flanking the center of the operating theater.

This control panel will sit behind the head of Frankenstein as he rests on the slab waiting for reanimation.

The large black circle in the center of the control panel will have a Luma Glass plasma display. This prop was built from recovered wood bottle caps and free cycle finds.

As always remember the 3 Rs:
Re-Use
Re-Purpose
Recycle

Same Theme Different Monsters and Darker... Much... Much... Darker...

2010-09-29T06:21:00.001-04:00

If you like a good fright then join us at night.

Join us at Flatbread Pizza for Dinner on the 26th of October

2010-09-26T16:53:00.000-04:00

Directions to Flatbread

October 26, 2010 5 - 9pm
Come buy your tickets, and help us help the Bedford Food pantry before the event.

In Advance
Adults ----------$6.00
Kids* 3 to 14 ---$4.00
Seniors ---------$4.00
At Door Tickets
Adult -----------$10.00
Kids* 3 to 14 ---$5.00
Seniors ---------$5.00

DATE: October 29 & 30, 2010
TIME:
Friday - Scary 6PM to 9PM
Saturday - 1PM to 4PM Trick or Treat! for the little ones.
Saturday Night Scary 6PM to 9PM
WHERE:
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
75 Great Road on the Common, Bedford MA

Bedford Food Pantry and more cool links

2010-09-26T16:21:00.000-04:00

We are happy to announce again this year the proceeds from the Cracked Cauldron will be going to the Bedford Food Pantry. With each paid admission to the haunted house if you bring a canned food item you will receive a game ticket good for use in the Three Brooms Gaming area. This is a $1.00 value so please join us in supporting the Bedford Food Pantry.

Also check out our links
Check out our Facebook page

First Parish Haunted House Web Site

Latest on construction.

2010-09-26T16:13:00.000-04:00

Dr Frankenstein laboratory is deep in construction the construction phase.
Here are the bases for the four 8 foot tall electrodes that surround the experimentation table. Each electrode is made up of old bottle caps, used wood from a removed closet and the duct work we replace last year from the heating system under the Sanctuary of First Parish.

As always remember the 3 Rs:
Re-Use
Re-Purpose
Recycle

large wall props for the haunt

2010-09-22T22:13:00.000-04:00

Here are two large wall segments for the Doctors Lab. They are made from found objects from replacement of our heating system this year. Smoke will poor from the vents and each has light elements that will flicker and flash.

Stop in and say hi at Bedford Day

2010-09-19T19:43:00.001-04:00

We are having our booth at Bedford day again this year. Stop by and say hi. we might even give you a little preview of this years plans for the haunted house.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/bedford/news/lifestyle/celebrations/x1056109837/Bedford-Day-events-schedule-listed
We have two floors of fright for you this year.
Here is a map of the first floor.

Here is a map of the second floor can't tell you too much but it should be a lot of fun.

Happy Halloween!

Its Coming for you...

2010-09-07T20:52:00.003-04:00

We are deep in the planning stages for this years haunted house. Two nights of Fright are planned This year you can join us Friday the 29th and or Saturday the 30th. We are moving the entrance of the haunted house this year. Our spooktacular entrance will be on the common side of the building.
Happy Halloween!

The Plant Fair is coming for you...

2010-02-07T20:35:00.003-05:00

The 57th Annual First Parish Plant & Craft Fair

Saturday, May 15, 2010

For more than half a century, the First Parish Plant Fair has offered a wide variety of ornamental and bedding plants, as well as vegetable and herb seedlings along with shrubs and native plants.

Since 1990, the Fair has expanded to include nearly 50 crafters as well as music, baked goods, a cook-out lunch and children's activities. Gardeners, artisans and families from far and near, eagerly anticipate the fair each May.

The First Parish Haunted House Team will be there in full force look for our booth for games and prizes.

Below is the artwork from last years Haunted House. Enjoy!

Look for more for this year.

Building new props for this years haunted house.

2010-01-10T18:48:00.000-05:00

The event is going to be a bit creeper then last year. The Zombie room is going to be expanded and we are having a seperate event in the afternoon for the little ones.

They can't wait for your return to the Haunted House this year...

New Control panel for the lab.

We will be back in 2010 with Monsters and Zombies and Werewolves - Oh my!

2009-12-20T14:28:00.004-05:00

Something old, Something new, Something Monsterous and filled with goo.

Join us in the Centenial Celebration of the Bedford Adventurers Club - You never know who's going to drop in.

Your next stop is...

Where NOTHING is ever as it appears.

Doctor Frankenstein and his creations will be back in 2010 with "Revenge of the Monster"

In "The Gate Room" you choose your fate. Take the hatch to the left and you will enter The Zombie Zone.

And a lot more...

We are growing...

2009-11-28T08:16:00.001-05:00

I am very please to announce that starting in 2010 we will have a committee running the First Parish Haunted House. I am staying on as Creative Director. We have a lot of plans in the work so stay tuned to this blog for more information as details are finalized for

2010 First Parish Haunted House: Return of the Monster Bash

Dont forget to tell your friends

Thank you

Save the dates, and please tell a friend...

2009-11-13T23:26:00.005-05:00

The Monster BASH will be returning in 2010 with all new monsters ready to put a little scare in you. Save the dates Friday October 29th and Saturday October 30th.

October 2010

Friday Oct. 29th

6PM to 9PM Frightful

Saturday Oct. 30th

1PM to 4PM Funny Then 6PM to 9PM Frightful

Keep tuned to this channel for more information...

So long and thanks for all the fish... another great year had by all.

2009-10-25T21:44:00.005-04:00

Here are a few photos from each of the events of the First Parish 2009 Haunted House: The Monster BASH

The Hall of Monster History

An audience with this years host Hella Hexington

and her Magic Mirror.

Bedford Adventurers Club

Dr Heisenberg's Matter Conveyor

The Brides workshop

Igor's Interactive Lab

A Close Encounter

The Creature Feature (Not for the little ghouls)

The Great Hall of the Bedford Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry's Here you will find The Cracked Calderon Food and Drinks and...

Three Broom Gaming, games of skill for all ages. EXTRA Game tickets are 2 for 1$ and Re-entry tickets are just $1 as well.

Just a few of our cast of thousands...

For more great photos of the 2009 Monster Bash

Check out Carlton SooHoo's photography at

http://carltonsoohoo.smugmug.com/Religion/Haunted-House-2009/10082596_DYVSo#691895774_Bpyrg

The lines were far more managable this year thanks to moving the entrance of the HH.

From the staff of 2009 Haunted House - Thank You for you for visiting.

First Parish's 2009 Haunted House: The Monster BASH

2009-10-23T07:10:00.002-04:00

Here's what you will find at First Parish's 2009 Haunted House this year...
The Hall of Monster History
An audience with this years host Hella Hexington
Bedford Adventurers Club
Dr Heisenberg's Matter Conveyor
The Brides workshop
Igor's Interactive Lab
A Close Encounter
The Creature Feature (Not for the little ghouls)

On the first floor you will find:
The Great Hall of the Bedford Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry's Here you will find The Cracked Calderon Food and Drinks and Three Broom Gaming, games of skill for all ages. EXTRA Game tickets are 2 for 1$ and Re-entry tickets are just $1 as well.

Out back you’ll find:
The Page Castle Maze (For the little ghosts & ghouls)

We have a large tent for the line so rain or shine you will have a ghostly good time...
Happy Haunting
K

First Parish in Bedford embraces Halloween, to a point - The Boston Globe

2009-10-19T07:09:00.002-04:00

First Parish in Bedford embraces Halloween, to a point - The Boston Globe

Posted using ShareThis

Its great to see that we got in the Globe the article is very good I wish they had given out the website info or the address of the Church. That's 75 the Great Road Bedford.

FREE PARKING
Parking is available on the street, one block over at the town hall. Follow the yellow sign at the end of Elm st for the overflow parking lot. The Line for entry will be on the Elm St side of the building the cue will run under three tents just in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
Arrive early or late to avoid the lines.
Happy Haunting
Karl

Crunch time is here

2009-10-09T12:23:00.000-04:00

The actors have their scripts the sets are being constructed and all the little details are slowly coming together. A few more pictures will be posted before the event also keep and eye out for an article in the boston globe.
happy halloween!
Karl

New Twitter Page too

2009-09-28T09:54:00.001-04:00

Tune into the Haunted Tweets at http://twitter.com/HauntedBedford

What we really need people to do is "friend us" and follow us on twitter, and most important, Tell your friends to do the same.

Also here are the last images of the completed master control panel for Igors Interactive Lab.

Now on to the Telepods...

We have a new Website and Facebook page!

2009-09-25T18:25:00.001-04:00

Check it out!
Website:
http://www.hauntedbedford.org

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Haunted-House-FP-Bedford/134317239039?ref=ss

Igor's Interactive lab

2009-09-20T17:12:00.001-04:00

Here are some pictures and a video of parts of the interactive lab in action.

Here is this years floor plan

video for the Haunted House

2009-09-12T18:51:00.001-04:00

Here are two pictures of one of the Tellapobs from the Matter Conveyor room.

The tellapods will flank either end of a long stage in the room.

More images to follow as we get closer to the event.

First Parish 2009 Haunted House: Monster Bash

2009-09-07T10:35:00.001-04:00

To give you an idea of the size of the event please take a look at these two maps. Our guest travel from the first floor up to the second and then back down again. The total time through the haunted house is about 45 minutes.

Here are a few pictures of Igor interactive lab master control panel current being assembled.

Here are a few shots of the master control panel from Igor's interactive lab...

The control panel will have lights and sounds all triggered by the throw of a switch or the turn of a knob. Its up to you to make the panel come to life.

You can make this years First Parish Haunted House bigger and better by spreading the word about the event. These banner should be emailed to as many people as you can. The lower one is a small file.

Igor's Interactive Lab allow me to introduce Igor... or what's left of him.

2009-09-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

Though Igor has fallen apart we have picked up the peaces and placed them in Jars so he can still watch what you do at the controls of his Mad Scientist in Training Simulator. Carful what switch you pull or you could end up like the good doctor.

Here is the power converter for the Transmatter Convayor

Come back soon we will be posting weekly additional props and sets as we get closer to the Monster Bash.

Here are some more props for the Lab...

2009-08-29T15:26:00.000-04:00

Here is a Double Helix multiplexer used in the Trans Matter Conveyor.
Here is an electrode from the Brides Lab

Here is another prop you will find in the Brides Lab

And one more...

2009-06-07T18:57:00.000-04:00

Plans are moving forward on this new Haunted house.
We will have a less scary haunted house from 2PM to 5PM.
then things get scary at 6PM till 9PM when the haunted house steps it up a notch.
This years flow will be changing as well. Our entrance is moving to the Elm st side of the old meeting house. This gives us an extra room to add more events.

Currently in the works for upstairs:

The Bedford Adventurers Club
Dr Heisenberg's Matter Conveyor
The Brides workshop
Igor's Interactive Lab
Alien Invasion
The Experiments room

On the first floor you will find:

The Bedford Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry's Great Hall where you will find The Cracked Calderon Food and Drinks and Three Broom Gaming, games of skill for all ages.
The Page House Maze
And a whole lot more...

Keep tabs on this site for the latest news and plans.
Happy haunting
Cheers
Karl

2009-02-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

Monster Bash is our theme for the 2009 Haunted House.

We are moving back to a one day event but are planning two shifts.

Funny

For young and young at heart in the afternoon where all the events will be more humorous then scary. We will have events running throughout the day.

Frightful

then at night the First Parish Haunted House will become very frightful. Not for the young or anyone who scares easily. Please note none of out events depict violent acts the concept of our haunted house is to give you a little scare... Something might jump out at you. Again and Again and Again...

2009-02-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

Here are two pictures of a new prop for Dr Igor's Lab.

Re-use

Re-cycle

Re-purposed

Here is an old Oscilloscope given to us for the for 2009's Haunted House. We gutted it and replaced the vacuum tubes with a few blinking lights. In the future once retired from use it will be sold on eBay as a prop to some other haunt around the country for further use.

Planning meeting is coming up so are a few new props

2009-02-15T20:00:00.000-05:00

Well we are about to have our next big meeting to review this years plan. I also have more props under way. I will be posting them soon. Updates so far..

We are keeping the Cracked Calderon and Three Brooms Gaming themed to the HP universe.
You might see the times shifting in the day between Funny and Frightful events.
We are also looking at adding a Photo op area where you can get dressed up as your favorite Wizard and have a photo taken. More on this later.

Happy Haunting!
Karl

NEW for 2009! Igor's Interactive Lab

2009-01-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

Allow me to introduce you to Igor of Igor's Interactive lab, or should I say what's left of him.

Here are some other bits left over from Igor's failed experiment. Igor's interactive lab where you will have the chance to be the mad Scientist. This is just one of the new areas of the Bedford 2009 Haunt House.

We hope to see you there...

Regards

Planning for the Future...

2008-11-13T14:36:00.000-05:00

We had our first visioning meeting for 2009 and it was great! We have some wonderful surprises in store for you next year. We are moving forward with the concept of Funny event in the afternoon and a Frightful event at night. So keep tuned and check back after Christmas along with the changes of format and hours we are adding more events in the space. We are also looking how to stream line the lines to reduce wait time.

RIP 2008 Haunted House

2008-10-26T06:49:00.000-04:00

Well we had hoped to grow from our success from last year and I am happy to report we certainly did. Though the weather was against us Saturday it held out long enough for this, the last year of the Bedford School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to be a wonderful and dry time for all. Friday was a little slow that was good allowing for us to get use to the flow. Saturday was a great, though the lines did get a bit longer then we would have liked.

Next year we are witching gears and our theme will be classic movie monsters. So keep posted for 2009's The Monster Bash. A classic movie monsters based walk through upstairs with Games food and other surprises on the first floor.

Here are some photos of the Bedford School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's Open House.

You can find more photo's here

Carlton Soohoo, Professional Photographer took some wonderful photos of the event.

http://carltonsoohoo.smugmug.com/gallery/6339548_exM7Y#400122486_ATYD7

Look for an update on 2009 in the coming weeks.
Thank you to all that visited us this year!
Cheers

Karl

Welcome to First Parish 2008 Haunted House

2008-09-29T11:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Bedford School of Witchcraft & Wizardry’s Open House

Friday Oct 24th and Saturday Oct 25th 6:00PM to 9:00PM.
75 the Great Road Bedford MA

The First Parish Haunted House was such a ‘howling’ success in 2007, that this year’s event will span 2 evenings and be bigger and more spooktacular than ever! We are adding tents to the entrance so if the weather doesn't cooperate we can keep you dry during your short wait. The Wizardry theme will continue, but with all new rooms and activities:

Second Floor: The Bedford School will loan you a special magic wand, because you will be attending class at our school. Meet the Headmaster, learn to cast spells, peer into your future in divination class, and brew up some noxious potions, but, be sure to watch out for wizards who is up to no good! After classes dismiss, find your way through the Page Castle Maze, then travel down the narrow streets of what we call Job Lane to investigate the spooky interactive shops.

First Floor: The first stop downstairs is the Great Hall. Rest up a moment while watching a 10-minute concert of the return of the Great-Fully Dead. (video projection). After the concert, stop in to the Cracked Cauldron for some refreshments. NEW this year is the Three Brooms gaming area. Buy tickets and try your hand at games of skill and chance with some great prizes available.

Lower Level: In the Games area, exit outside, tiptoe through the spooky Deadford Cemetery and pass into to the Deadford Dungeons – if you dare! The Dungeons are a scary walk-thru’ and not appropriate for younger or easily frightened children.

Entry Tickets:
$6.00 Adults
$5.00 Children age 3 - 14*
$4.00 Seniors

Your ticket includes admission for one tour through the event, one game ticket (extra game tickets: $1 each) and one ticket to the Deadford Dungeons (can be used for additional game, if not used for Dungeon). Re-Entry tickets to the Bedford School tour OR the Deadford Dungeon’s tour are $1 each. * Children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Game Tickets
Tickets for the Three broom Gaming area are available at the information desk outside the Gaming area. Ticket prices are:
1 ticket 1.00
5 tickets 5.00
10 tickets for 9.00
15 tickets for 12.00

This event is handicapped accessible.
All proceeds from the Cracked Cauldron go in support of the First Parish Youth Group’s project to supply books to elementary students at the C.W. Morey School in Lowell.

More pictures for you...

2008-09-10T19:05:00.000-04:00

Headmasters Costume. Lights for the headmasters office One for each house.

The Great-Fully Dead will be back this year... The Spiders Den is being replaced with Three Brooms gaming
Floating Candles in the Main Hall of the Bedford School

This year we are adding hexmail being delivered during the concert.

Props coming together and going GREEN

2008-08-24T08:21:00.000-04:00

New Props
Three of the new rooms for the visitors to the Open House of the Bedford School this year will be the Headmaster's Chamber, Divination Classroom and the Potions Master's Office. These photos are of different props you will see in these new rooms.

The shelve is from an old peice of wood from a replaced deck. The Jars are all Salsa Jars with new lables on them they will be aged with water colors and then will be ready for the Potoin Masters office.

One of the house Bells Rung when a member is in good standing

This is a Crystal ball from the Divinations Classroom

One of the four house owl lanterns you will see in the headmasters office.

First Parish Haunted House is GREEN!
We have always prided ourselves in re-purposing as much of the environment we create as possible. From the Jars and Bottles of the Potion masters classroom last year and his Office this year to the walls of the hedge maze last year all had been found objects destine for a land fill. The three large props this year will be built from reclaimed wood. They are built with wood from a Deck that was recently replaced, a old play structure that no longer was safe and pallets destine to be used as firewood. These props will remain in circulation for years to come. The bottle will some day find there way into the recycling but for now we are excited to use them as set decorations. Some items will be combined and sold as sets on eBay for other Haunts to use in the future. We choose not to use specific items because of the potential effect on people and planet. We use latex based paints for all the props and we don't use oil based smoke machine at the event. We would love to use smoke machines but they are 1400 watts that we can do without. Where possible we are using LED lighting as a means to reduce our energy requirements. All the maps are printed on recycled paper. The popcorn bag we used at first parish are made of recycled paper and we continue to look at ways keeping our environmental footprint to a minimum.

Theme for 2009
Not the last Haunted House but our last year of the Bedford School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In 2009 we are moving on to a new theme still as always family friendly with a little Boo! to make you smile. Stay tuned!

Kick off meeting report

2008-08-14T07:54:00.000-04:00

Well our first meeting for 2008 went very well. Here are a few key items covered:

We are expanding the size of the event incorporating another room upstairs.
Registration and the line to get in will now be under tents next to the Church.
We will have a short video running at the enterence to give out information on the three floors of activities and how ticketing will work.
A simplified ticketing system will be in place for folks who want to do parts of the haunted house more then once. This was a big issue last year and we think this will resolve the issue allowing for folks to have a significantly reduced re-entrance fee.
We are continuing our Harry Potter inspired theme: Welcome to The Bedford School of Witchcraft and Wizardry but each of the rooms will be different then last year. Two slightly scary.
Two entrance's Scary and Not Scary to the Bedford School.
The Cracked Cauldron will be expanding.
The spiders Den makes way for the Three Brooms Gaming area.
The Deadford Dungeon of Doom is being reworked more info (coming soon)
We are moving the flow of the different events to allow for less confusion.

We are looking for more yards to place signs if you have a high profile yard that you wouldn't mind having a sign in please let me know at lostj2@verizon.net

Thank you

Karl

2008-06-03T14:00:00.000-04:00

Update from the Bedford Plant Fair

Well our advertisement for the Haunted House at the First Parish Plant fair went well though there were some disappointed faces when we had to take it down due to heavy winds in the afternoon. We had two different inflatable haunted houses back to back allowing for the kids to explore the different rooms and it certainly added to the fair like feel of the day.

I will be posting the changes for this years haunted house so you can see whats new and different from last years event. I think you will be pleased.

Cheers

Welcome to the Bedford School 2008

2008-03-22T09:39:00.000-04:00

We were are in full swing for planning the haunted house this year. Look for our display at the Plant fair in may http://www.uubedford.org/plantfair/index.htm
We will have a video from last years haunt and a flyer for this years haunted house.
We hope to see you there.
Regards

End of year update on plans for next year.

2007-12-15T13:08:00.000-05:00

2008 will see an expansion of 2007's events, the tour of Bedford School of witchcraft and wizardry will be different. It is our intention to add and mix it up so it will be very different from last year but just as charming. We are looking at two entrances to the school next year.
1) General entrance: where kids of all ages can walk through the school in a not to scary interactions.
2) Scary entrance: where you will come face to face with dark forces that wish to topple the Bedford school and enslave those that oppose he who can not be named.

We are expanding upstairs with more interactive rooms and a few more animatric creatures as you walk the mystical Streets of Job Lane. On the first floor we will be adding more games and a larger snack area. The entrance to the Deadford Dogeon of Doom will be moved to the back of First Parish allowing for better flow for all the guests.
We hope to expand the Consert of the Great-fully dead and have even more spectral visitors during the event.

Look for our video and display at the First Parish Plant fair in the spring.
Have a wonderful winter.
Regards
Karl

A few pictures from 2007

2007-11-12T10:02:00.001-05:00

More photo's coming soon.

Wow! I mean WOW!!!

2007-11-04T07:39:00.000-05:00

Well its been just over a week and I am just now recovering. The 2007 First Parish Haunted House was a huge success we lost count at one point at the number of attendees. I wish to applogise to all of you who had to wait in the long lines at the front door and at the entrance to the Deadford Dongeon on Doom. I hope the wait was worth it. I will be posting pictures shortly and should have a few videos on youtube in the coming weeks.Please note we are planning to do this again next year... So look for our first update on 2008 First Parish Haunt House before Christmas.

Its crunch time in Deadford 2007 First Parish HH

2007-10-22T18:55:00.001-04:00

Well the Boston globe screwed up and posted our event for Thursday! (Dough!)

No - the haunted house is Saturday the 27th!!!!

Well not much we can do about it now. I hope not too many folks show up Thursday, if you did I am very sorry. We have asked the Globe to at least change it on their web site.

OK now onto the update. Here are two of the rooms fully set for the haunted house. The potions room has really come out well. please click the picture to see it full size.

There is a slightly spooky feel to the Spectral lounge. not too much but it has a feel for the Adventurers Club in Disney and that's not a bad thing. We set these room up for a photographer from the Minuteman newspaper. Look for an article about our little haunt in Thursdays edition.

One of our mad scientists has made an amazing animatronic sorting hat that is going to amaze the kids. I have not pictures of that yet. We want to keep it as a surprise. I can't want to see folks reactions to it.

First Parish Haunted House 3 Floors of Fun

2007-10-07T19:49:00.001-04:00

Click the image to see all that is happening at First Parish
Areas marked in Red are for older kids. The only other area that might be scary is the Hedge Maze on the second floor.
The entrance to the Deadford Dungeon of Doom is through the Deadford Cemetery around the back of the Church and through the side entrance.
You can go through the Deadford Cemetery and not go into the Dungeon if you like to see the haunted grave yard.
The main Entrance to the Haunted house is through the Front of the Church on the common side.

NEW Animatronic Completed just in Time

2007-10-07T19:14:00.001-04:00

This is Norman and he will be singing Grim Grinning Ghosts near the Hedge Maze on the second floor be certain to check him out. This prop is built from a singing christmas tree not only does his eyes open and his mouth open and close his head also rocks side to side as he sings.

This years we have three floors of fun waiting for you.

2007-09-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

Lower Level:
Deadford Dungeon of Doom: Scary Walk through. Warning! Not for the younger crowd! This is a Scary dark walk through and is presented by First Parish's Junior and Senior Youth Groups and is not to be missed.

First floor:
Spiders Den: This is a great Kids area has lots of activities, Games, like Owl ring toss, Pumpkin stack and Golden Snitch Bowling will entertain kids of all ages. The spiders den will also have a Crafts area where kids can choose from a number of projects. (Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.)

The Cracked Cauldron:
Relax and set a Spell at the Bedford Schools Of Witchcraft and Wizardry's Very own Cracked Cauldron Menu Offering refreshments for sale. Menu:

Popcorn................................$1.00
Water....................................$1.00
Assorted Soda......................$1.00
Assorted Candy...................$1.00

Polly Page's Jellybeans.......$2.00
Assorted baked good .........$TBD

Concert of the Great-full Dead, Bedford's School of Wizards and Witchcraft Ghostly Choir. During this short concert you will be entertained by ghostly apparition's visiting from our famous sister institution Hogwarts in England.

Second Floor:

Relax in the Spectral Lounge
You enter the party by first passing through the Spectral lounge. Interact with the humorous talking crystal ball. He can see your future and it’s not so scary…

Meet the Sorting Hat
Next you are whisked into the Evaluation Chamber where you will be sorted into one of the four houses of the Bedford School of Wizards and Witchcraft.

Potion Masters Chambers
Following your sorting you will take a crash course in magic as you walk through the Potions Room. Try your hand and feel if you can tell the difference between the Eye of Newt from the lips of a dragon.

Can you find a way out?
Then lastly on this floor you will have the opportunity to pass into the party through the Hedge Maze. Can you find the secret chamber that overlooks the Spiders Den?

We have added another feature to the Bedford School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will have the opportunity to visit Minerva's Magical Music Machine Lab. In this labratory of the school you will have a chance to try your hand at a Therimin.

2007-08-18T18:48:00.000-04:00

Relax and set a Spell at the Bedford
Schools Of Witchcraft and Wizardry's
Very own Cracked Cauldron

Menu
Popcorn................................$1.00
Water....................................$1.00
Apple Cider..........................$1.00
Keurig Coffee ......................$1.00
Assorted Candy...................$1.00

2007-08-18T18:40:00.000-04:00

A Brief History of the Bedford School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The Bedford School, founded in 1730 by four professors from Hogwarts, is one of eight established in the new Colonies during the “great expansion” of the original eight American schools (1690 to 1771). Bedford and Salem are the only two that survived the American Revolution.

During this period, the polarization of sides devastated the school. Not only did they lose the support of Hogwarts during this Muggel war, but The Ministry of Magic recommended the closure of all the expansion schools in the American Colonies. Under this order all Headmasters returned to England but instead of closing, both Bedford and Salem chose to stay open. The wounds of the Revolution ran deep and not until the war of 1812, where both schools worked with the Ministry of Magic to topple the plans of a rogue wizard, did the two schools reunite with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Through the past two centuries, Bedford has been a counterpoint to the more traditional ways of its sister School in Salem or its founders school Hogwarts. The Bedford School has always been a place of progressive ideas and actions that have centered around the individuals’ needs to make a difference and to strive to be more. These ideas have caused tension between Bedford and its sister schools not to mention The Ministry of Magic. This tension exploded in February of 1978 when the Ministry intended to stop a rally of Muggle rights supporters by causing a massive blizzard. The protesters moved the rally to February 4th, the day before the posted date of the protest and its impending blizzard. The rest is history.

Though the scars of war have fallen far behind and the progressive stance of the school irritates those that wish to travel a more settled path, a friendly rivalry has grown between Salem, Hogwarts and Bedford. This rivalry will culminate in 2009 when The Bedford School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will host the 483rd World Wizards Championship.

For more information contact the Ministry of Magic - Halls of History, Lower Level Catacombs B1331-West.

What did we do before Ebay?

2007-07-10T22:22:00.000-04:00

Here are a few robes I got cheap on ebay. They are Headmaster Robes for the Evaluation Chamber. Each House is represented by the different colored robe. I am still amazed how easy it is to find things like this on ebay. Speaking of the Evaluation Chamber I got a note that the animatronic hat is underway I hope to have a few photos in the coming weeks. That's it for this weeks update.
Regards
Karl

What the heck is that?

2007-07-10T21:50:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I collected all this junk from my garage I was trying to make something that would fit in the Potions room. You ask what is it? Well to tell you the truth I haven't a clue other then to say that any good potions master or Alchemist wouldn't be without one. So lets call it a Celestial illuminar. That sounds good to me. It looks very cool when lit not bad for a brass port hole some Christmas decorations, old tin cupcake pans and some lamp parts.

An extra bonus I got my junk drawer cleaned out in the garage.

Singing Statue

2007-07-01T11:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a new project I am currently working on for the front lobby and ticket area of the Haunted House. This is Mort, he will be singing "Grim Grinning Ghosts". Mort like the other animatronics seen around our haunt is constructed based off a singing Christmas tree. These are original creations made by member of First Parish. Zoltan is the only exception to this coming from the far east.
I will post more of Mort as he is completed. I hope you can make it to our Haunted House on the Bedford Common. I will be posting directions in the coming weeks.
Regards
Karl

2007-06-26T21:01:00.000-04:00

This is Ulric our local ghost host. If you wait and listen closely he will tell you about all the different events happening thought out first parish during the haunted house. Ulric is one of many of the animatronics you will cross in the course of your visit to the First Parish Haunted house.

Outline of some of the events in the works for this years haunt

2007-06-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

Greetings here is another update for our haunted house.
This outline is very rough but will give you an idea of what to expect this year from our haunt.
Lower Level:
Deadford Dungeon of Doom: Scary Walk through.

First floor:
Spiders Den:
This is a great Kids area has lots of activities, Games, like Owl toss, Pumpkin stack and ring toss will entertain kids of all ages. The spiders den will also have a Crafts area where kids can choose from a number of projects. (Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.)

The Cracked Cauldron:
Offering refreshments for purchase.
Menu:

Coming soon

Concert of the Great-full Dead, Bedford's School of Wizards and Witchcraft Ghostly Choir. During the Short concert you will be entertained by ghostly apparition's visiting from our sister school in England.

Second Floor:
You enter the party by first passing through Zoltan’s the Great, fortuneteller lounge. Interact with the humorous talking crystal ball. He can see your future and it’s not so scary…

Next you are whisked into the evaluation chamber where you will be sorted into one of the four houses of the Bedford School of Wizards and Witchcraft.

Following your sorting you will take a crash course in magic as you walk through the Potions Room.

Then lastly on this floor you will have the opportunity to pass into the party through the Hedge Maze. Can you find the secret chamber that overlooks the Spiders Den?

First Parish of Bedford Ma Official Blog

2007-06-24T08:54:00.000-04:00

Greetings this is the first entry for the upcoming First Parish of Bedford Ma Haunted house.
In the coming weeks we will be posting updates on what to expect this year from our Haunted event. I will say we have soemthing for all ages. Scary and not to Scary to down right humorous.
We hope you can make it.