Fright night at Woodlot

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   South Brunswick residents looking for autumn fright need look no further than the “Tent of Terror” at the Halloween Hullabaloo on Friday and Saturday.
   The annual event is being put on by the South Brunswick Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse. It will feature outdoor movies, music, activities for kids along with a haunted house called the “Tent of Terror,” which features a different fright at every turn through three tents.
   The Hullabaloo is being held at Woodlot Park on New Rood, and run 6:30 p.m. through 11 p.m.
   Mariann Long, of Kendall Park, volunteers with Project Graduation, which also helped to plan the event.
   ”There is a ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ room, and a scary clown room. We have something to jump out at you around every corner,” Ms. Long said. “Each tent is split into three rooms each with a different theme. Plus, we have the areas between the tents set up, as well. You will never know what is going to happen, or where they are going to come at you from.”
   Ms. Long said that for younger kids Hullabaloo will have a magic show, face painting, a bounce room and games. They will also play Halloween-themed movies for kids like “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and “Ghostbusters” earlier in the evening, and more teen- and adult-themed horror films later in the evening.
   The event was originally created 12 years ago by Tom and Carolyn Dardani. The couple ran a haunted trail until retiring from it this year. Recreation Director Tom Morris said that he and the township were grateful for all the work the Dardanis put into it over the years.
   ”Although we are sad to see Tom and Carolyn retire, it is certainly understandable,” Mr. Morris said in a release. “On behalf of South Brunswick Township I would like to offer a huge thank you to the Dardanis for their dedication to such a worthwhile event and wish them the best.”
   Entrance into the tent will cost $5, and the games at Hullabaloo will each be $1 per play. The proceeds will go toward supporting the South Brunswick Human Intervention Trust Fund and Project Graduation.