Local News

ATTENTION PARENTS! Friendly MONSTER day rescheduled

ATTENTION PARENTS!

Due to the expected Storm today and unpleasant weather, DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions scheduled Friendly MONSTER day has been rescheduled to Sunday October 21,2012. Old Man Cox’s weather report according to the weather channel is extreme Thunder Storms all Day, leading into the night. Sorry for the Inconvenience and we hope to see you out next weekend. 🙁

Details for rescheduled events.

DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions has rescheduled our Friendly Monster day originally planned for this afternoon. Please bring the Kiddies next Sunday October 21, 2012. The fun will Begin  at 2pm and the last hayride will depart at no later than 4pm . Remember there will be fun and games, a hayride, a outdoor maze, and a visit through Michigans only Haunted Pirate ship, The Dark Abyss where your children will search for treasure within its rotted hull. Candy for all Children. Recommended Age for Friendly Monster kids day is under 12. NO SCARES, JUST FUN! Admission is One non perishable food product per child.

See you then

See you next week!

 

Saturday October 13, 2012 Updates

Saturday October 13, 2012

Halloween Season is in full swing at DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions, We have had record breaking numbers every night this season! Apparently People want to be SCARED and they want DarkSyde to do the SCARING!  Today is Saturday October 13, 2012 and there is a lot to talk about for today! First off the Old Man Cox weather report, Old Man Cox says tonight there will be a slight chance of Rain, chilly temperatures with an increased chance for wet bloomers!

 Zombie Walk Jackson  Rain or Shine!

Zombies will be over running downtown Jackson this afternoon, Rain or Shine!  This is a GREAT event that benefits the March of Dimes Charity foundation. Registration begins at 4:30 first 40 Zombies to register will receive free passes to DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions, and EVERYONE who registers will receive a $5.oo off general admission coupon for after the walk. Remember this is a Rain or Shine event, do not let a lil rain scare you off….. Go get some BRAINS then come on out and get some POOP in your Pants!

The Zombie Dash!

Another GREAT event today will be the Zombie Dash, again being held Rain or Shine, unless conditions become dangerous for Participants. Head out to the Holly State recreational Park and  Run a 5.75 kilometer course on a dark, wooded trail. Dodge zombies looking for fast (or slow) food. Race against darkness and survive the Zombie apocalypse.  Every one be safe and have a great event!

BUZZ TV stopping by tonight

Buzz TV will be stopping by tonight to get some footage for their upcoming show, Buzz Tv is all about promoting local businesses & entertainment & having some fun in between. Got to love Local Businesses promoting Local Businesses 🙂

JackTown Roller Derby Girls

Those bang up crash up knock em down dolls of the Jack Town Roller Derby Girls will be making an appearance at DarkSyde Acres tonight…. This should get interesting really quickly. Now where did I  put my  knee pads.

Its going to be a full roster tonight, come on out, Dont let the weather scare you thats OUR JOB!

Zombie Dash October 13, 2012

October 13, 2012 Zombie Dash Update

The following is a repost of an email Update for Saturdays Zombie Dash!

We are just a few days away from what we believe is the only night zombie race of its kind on earth. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, then go run with my grandmother in some daytime Halloween fun run.

Everything you need to know about the race is in this Race Update or under the Race Info page. This is likely the longest and most detailed race update you will ever read! Sorry about that. It will be worth the time though – the best things in life require some work to enjoy. Well, not sunsets or the neighbor’s puppy. Anyway, moving on.

Volunteers
If you have a family member or friend going with you but not racing, they can best experience the event by being a trail monitor. Trail monitors are assigned a place on the trail to make sure everyone is aware of rooty or rocky sections, call in any medical or other needs, and report on any backups.
BEFORE THE RACE
Bib/Shirt Pickup
If you are in the Flint area, we’d love it if you would pick up your shirt and/or bib at The Complete Runner at 915 South Dort Hwy on Friday from 12-7 pm to keep lines short on race day. Yes, we’d love it if you pick up bibs and shirts for your friends. Pick up last minute running gear and gels here too.

For runners who will do same-day shirt/bib pickup, please arrive at least an hour before your wave. You’ll need the time to park, take the shuttle, and get through bib/shirt pickup. We previously said 45 minutes but that did not include parking time. Those who did early pick up can arrive closer to 45 minutes. Please bring a bag to put your shirt in if you are not wearing it. We won’t have a “bag check” system but we will create a corral for bags, extra clothes, race shirts and a volunteer will monitor. Do NOT keep valuables in this corral. Wear a hip or hydration pack for keys and other valuables or keep them in your car and out of view if possible. The only cash you might need is $20 for an extra shirt if we have some left or $3 for a bumper sticker.

You do not need to bring a confirmation sheet. We have you on our list. However, please remember your wave NUMBER (more so than the time) as we may send waves off before or after the actual wave time. We can look it up if you forget but here they are: 6:15=W (walkers), 6:30=1, 6:35=2, 6:40=3, 6:45=4, 6:50=5, 6:55=6, 7:00=7, 7:10=9.

Zombies should pick up their shirt after the race so that you avoid runners seeing you and ensure you are at your “feed zone” by 6:00 (Groveland Park access) or 6:15 (McGinnis Lake Campground) when the walker wave starts. We guarantee a shirt will be waiting for you after the race.
We have just a few slots available if you are unable to do your own makeup. Pleaseemail me by Friday and indicate if 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, or 5:45 is preferred. Thanks to Ashley Obsborn for offering this service.

Start/Finish, What to Bring
To set expectations, this is a “rustic” event and campground, which should add to the authenticity of the experience. There is no power/lighting so we’ll be using generators to run our computers. It’s as if the power grid has permanently failed! Everyone should have a headlamp on or flashlight handy. Please check the forecast and bring appropriate wet weather gear. The trail is well covered by the tree canopy but the start/finish not as much.

Trail Conditions
Keep in mind that this is a trail race with uneven ground in many locations. We will have volunteers and/or glowsticks at some of the really rooty or rocky spots. IF YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL CONDITION WHICH COULD PUT YOU AT A HIGHER RISK FOR INJURY (E.G., WEAK ANKLE OR KNEE) ON SUCH TERRAIN, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU WALK THE COURSE IN THE 6:15 WAVE or contact mark@miadventureracing for a partial refund (the shirt is still yours if you can pick it up).

  • Must bring: headlamp or flashlight with new(er) batteries (headlamp preferred)
  • May bring: reflective running clothes, rain gear as needed, warm clothes for after the race, camp chair, food and beverages
  • Don’t bring: any valuables that you can’t run with

Parking and Where to Go From There
Entry into Holly State Recreation Area may require the State of Michigan Recreation Passport. The $10 fee covers entry into all Michigan state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized trail head parking and boat launches for one year for those who sign up when they renew their license or it’s good until your plate expires. I don’t know if they will be collecting but just a heads up.

A good Google Maps address is simply “McGinnis Road, Holly, MI”. That will get you to a spot between Heron Lake parking and the Organizational Campground to the east. Check the map on the race site. Because the main parking area is a mile from the start/finish area, it’s important for everyone to understand your options for parking and getting to where you need to be. The great thing about this is it better allows zombies to get into their “feed zones” without ruining the surprise and the “survivor vs. zombie” feel.

Zombie Parking Options
1. Park at Heron Lake, take one of two Michigan Blood “zombie shuttles” up to McGinnis Lake Campground. Spread out on the trail, heading primarily to the north/3K mark. A few can head toward the 5K mark where the trail eventually widens. After the race, return to the drop off spot next to the aid station to get picked up. One shuttle can go to Heron Lake parking if you are headed home to take some Pepto; the other will go to the finish line so you can enjoy the post-race fun. We may also use one of the school bus shuttles if needed.
2. Park at Groveland Township Offices/Park. 4695 Grange Hall Road. Spread out mostly to the west, some can move south. After the last wave comes through, drive to the Organizational Campground. We will have reserved parking spots for you.
3. Park at the Organizational Campground (start/finish). While we prefer zombies to stay away from runners, we understand there may be reasons why you need to park at the start/finish. You will need to get there early though. We’ve created an additional zombie zone for those of you in this camp – walk west/backwards from the finish. We ask zombies in this hilly last ½ mile or so to not grab runners’ life strips. They need a break at the end of the race!

Runner Parking Options
1. Get dropped off at the start/finish by your driver. This is recommended for vehicles with three or more people so that the shuttle is not overburdened. We have rented two 47-passenger buses but  if everyone just parks and waits for the bus, it will just create a big backlog.
2. Park at Heron Lake and take the school bus shuttle. It will loop around and meet you in the center lane, nearest the lake.
3. Park at Heron Lake and walk/jog one mile to the start/finish. There’s a trail that starts by the main intersection north of the lot (see green trail below) that follows the road and powerline all the way to the start. Honestly, it’s a pretty good warm-up distance.

DURING THE RACE
The Start
We don’t have a wide starting area so when we announce each wave, runners will get in a long narrow chute, get their life strips tucked and checked, and head out by two or three every few seconds. With chip timing, all that matters is when you cross the start and finish mats. Trust us, you don’t want to hit that narrow opening in a wide group. There would be carnage before you even get to the zombies!

Costumes
Runners may dress in some sort of survivor costume if they wish. We’d prefer that you don’t dress as a zombie but we won’t stop you from racing. You may not bring sharp objects with you on the run for obvious reasons. Whatever you wear, your bib must be on the front of your shirt and cannot be hidden from view or your time may not be recorded.

Survivor Mission
You will be handed two life strips (think flag football flags) in the start chute; tuck them into your waist with at least one foot of cloth showing. Your goal is to finish the race quickly and with some life remaining. You will have one minute added to your time for each strip you lose. If at anytime during the race your strips show less than a foot, you are seen tucking them in further, you have one in your hand or you grab one off the ground or from a zombie, or creating any similar special advantage, your bib will be recorded and your finish time will not count. This race isn’t about cheating the system, it’s about completing a challenging and unique race and having fun.

You will be directed into one of three finish chutes based on how many strips you have left. Please self-direct into these chutes to help out the volunteers and put your strips in the bins once any penalty time has been recorded.

Zombie Mission
The zombies’ mission is to freak out (not necessarily jump out like most monsters would) the survivors and grab those life strips. Please temper your enthusiasm for grabbing as many strips as you can. They cannot be redeemed for cash. Good guideline: be a typical zombie and stay slow and awkward where the trail is narrow and more nimble in wider areas. Please do not run after runners for more than a few yards. If we have 200 sprinter zombies, no runners will make it to the end with their life strips! We want to make it challenging but not impossible. Make sure you tuck those strips away so runners don’t grab any on the ground. Runners will have one minute added to their time for each life strip that they lose.

Please stay in your feed zone until the last wave of survivors comes through. Go ahead and ask a runner if you think it may be the end of the buffet. All good meals must come to an end. If we are on time with the waves, you should see the runners slow to a trickle by about 7:45 near Groveland Park and 8:00 or so near McGinnis Lake Campground. Please don’t rely on these times though in case we are behind (or ahead) of schedule. We’ll wait for you for the costume contest, raffle, etc.
We will have collection bins for the flesh you ripped off the survivors. They will be located at the two zombie access/drop off points next to the aid stations. As you are walking out the trail back to those points, could you please collect strips on the ground and place them in the bins? Thanks! We’ll of course clean the trail afterwards but that will save us some time.

Walkers, Keeping Trail Open
We have a new 6:15 wave for those who will walk most or all of the course. You do not need to change times to switch to that wave. 
Same goes for anyone who shows up late. Just hop in the next wave. Your time is determined by when you cross the start and finish mats. For everyone else, try to stick to your registered wave number/time so that waves are fairly balanced.

Walkers and those who need to walk for a portion of the running wave: PLEASE STAY OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE TRAIL. If you walk in the middle of the trail, bottlenecks will occur and you’ll diminish the experience for everyone. When the trail is only wide enough for one person (just a few spots), please do your best to hustle through that area so others can pass you when the trail widens. If you need to quit, please try to make it to an aid station at the 2K or 4K mark where there are EMTs and volunteers to get you back to the finish or your car.

Emergency Contacts
In an emergency, the fastest response is to call the Groveland Township Fire/Ambulance (John Williams) on site at 248.343.1381. If you don’t have this number, 911 will route to them. For minor injuries or other problems related to parking and the race, please find us at the start/finish or call us. My (Mark) number is 616.460.9331 and Greg is at 616.446.5249. You can also ask Michigan Blood volunteers or trail monitors (most will have reflective safety vests on) who may be able to help.

Waiver
Some of you were registered by a friend or family member so you probably didn’t see the waiver. They signed it on your behalf. Please read it on our new waiver page.

AFTER THE RACE
After the race, we’ll have a marshmallow roast. Fruit too. You are welcome to bring campfire food and beverages. Camp chair and rain gear if needed. There are many picnic tables too. We only have a few fire pits so we’ll have to be patient with access to them.

Because most zombies will not arrive until after the race, the costume contest judging will be from around 8:00 to 8:45 pm. We’ll announce winners, along with the raffle winners (you are automatically entered as a participant) and top finishers after that. We have about 70 prizes in all. We went for quantity over high dollar value so expect lots of zombie videos and books and some running gift cards too.

Our Charity Partner
A portion of your entry fees will help Michigan Blood’s Stem Cell Program, which is an important part of all of our Zombie Dashes. At least 15% of our profits will go to fight blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma by lowering the costs of the simple but fairly expensive cheek swap test needed to get people on the national Be the Match donor registry. Please consider joining. It’s very cool to think that we all could save someone’s life some day because we were the perfect match for the healthy blood stem cells/marrow they desperately need.

Our Media Partner
Our media partner is Townsquare Media Flint radio stations, including WWBN/Banana 101.5, WCRZ/Cars 108, WRCL/Club 93.7, WQUS/US 103, WFNT/1470AM Flint New’s Talk, and WLCO/1530AM. Thanks to them for helping get the word out in the Flint area.

Don’t forget to read the Race Update page for directions to Holly State Rec Area, a timeline of events, etc.

Thanks for making it through such a long update! If you have an important question that is not answered by this update or the website, feel free to email me atmark@miadventureracing.com. I should be able to respond within a few hours on Thursday and Friday, but not so much on Saturday.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday or Saturday. We hope it’s a really fun experience for everyone!

Mark

P.S. That’s not really my grandmother if you are wondering but I’d love to have a bada$$ grandma like her, wouldn’t you?

Friendly Monster Kid's Day

Friendly Monster Kid’s Day

DarkSyde Acres haunted House and Attractions is hosting our 5th annual Friendly Monster kids day on Sunday October 14, 2012. Dress up the Kiddies, pack them into the family wagon and come on down to Darksyde for a few hours of good old fashioned Halloween fun. THIS IS A NO SCARE EVENT. Children  under 12 will be treated to Grandpa Cox’s Hay ride,Fun and Games, a visit through the Dark Abyss to seek their Treasures and treats aboard a sunken Pirate Ship . Admission is One can or dry food item.

Details and more

DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions 5th annual Friendly Monster Kids Day  Takes place on Sunday October 14, 2012. The Fun starts at 2 pm, the last hayride departs at 4 pm, activities will take place during 2-4. Candy for the kids, while supplies last. 11375 Rowe Road, Jonesville Michigan 49250 . 517-549-5100 Please use our FRONT ENTRANCE on Mosherville Road. Admission to this event is 1 can or non perishable food item.

Weather permitting

As always outdoor planned activities are always at the mercy of the weather, If a rain out occurs, Friendly Monster kids day will be rescheduled to the following Sunday, October 21, 2012. Weather permitting as always.

Friday October 12, 2012 updates

Friday October 12, 2012

Friday Night October 12, 2012 at DarkSyde Acres Haunted House in Jonesville , Michigan will be opening its gates at 7:30 pm to allow the masses entrance to their Dark Side. Old Man Cox’s weather report states Chilly temps, Clear skies with a 90% chance of snickers in your underoos. Get here early, dress accordingly and remember NO Flip Flops, Sandals, or HIGH HEELS at DarkSyde.

October 12, 2012 College BOGO

  Once again Friday, is College BOGO night, “Buy One Get One”. present a VALID college ID , purchase ONE ticket and receive ONE ticket of equal or lesser value.  DarkSyde Haunted House and Attractions realizes that you College students are on a strict budget and this is our way of helping you enjoy the season. 

Game Savvy Late Night Television

Friday Night October 12, 2012, The Crew from Game Savvy Late Night television will be filming a segment at DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions for their upcoming Halloween Special that will air on October 21,2012. Game Savvy late Night Television is the NW Ohio and SE Michigan one and only Late Night TV show, where Entertainment Tonight meets Sportscenter via Saturday Night Live during the Tonight Show. Game Savvy late Night TV airs every Saturday Night~ Sunday morning at 1:00 am following Saturday Night Live, on WNWO the NBC affliate for the NW Ohio ~ SE Michigan Market.   

Old Man Cox says Come on out and find out  why a Lumpy fart isn’t  really a Fart!


Detroit newsman Al Allen retires.

 Detroit’s Fox 2 Al Allen

Its been all over Fox 2 Detroit’s news this morning that our favorite news personality Al Allen has announced his retirement this morning. Al has always been a favorite of mine thru-out the years, and will be missed by many. Years ago I was having breakfast in a little diner in Detroit and heard a familiar voice coming from the booth behind me, lo and behold it was Al Allen, As I was leaving I interrupted his breakfast to let him know how much we enjoyed him on Fox 2, Al Allen was as pleasant in person as he was on the Television.

50 years in the business

Al Allen was in Radio for 16 to 17 years before making the cross over into television and has amassed nearly  50 years in the Business, as much as we will miss him, I  agree he deserves to retire and kick back with his cup of tea. Detroit Fox 2 news will not be the same without Al Allen, His charming personality and warm smile kicked off many a early morning  thru-out the years for me.  Fox 2 has been honoring Al all morning and its been very entertaining to hear the numerous stories involving Al Allen at Fox 2 Detroit.

No More Hats, No more Scarves, No more Snow.

My favorite quote of the day by Al Allen  has been “No more overpasses.  No more hats, scarves and gloves.  No more snow when the freeways are all messed up,” Allen said.  “I’ll just sit home and watch TV and it’s warm and drink my tea and be happy.” Mr. Allen you will be GREATLY MISSED!  DarkSyde Acres Haunted House in Jonesville Michigan would love to see you out here for the 2012 Halloween season. Come on out and shoot a few Zombies!

DarkSyde Acres Friday October 5, 2012

Friday October 5, 2012

Alrighty kiddies, its Friday October 5, 2012 and you know what that means!  DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and attractions first ever COLLEGE student Appreciation night. Bring a Valid College ID and get a BUY one GET one admission… meaning you buy one admission and get one free admission for your date.  Join DarkSyde tonight for our BIGGEST Friday Night EVER!  Do you like Blood, guts gore and more? well so do we, that’s why we went all out this weekend and slaughtered up a mess of folk, just for your entertainment!

Weather Report

The Old Man Cox Weather report for Friday 5, 2012 is a chilly evening with a low near 50 and possible showers with an Accumulation  of poopy underpants behind the Porta potty! Be sure to dress accordingly and remember please wear proper footwear, no flip flops, sandals or high heels… its all fun and games until someone eats yer pinky toe.

 

MLIVES vote for Best Haunted House finalists

MLIVE Haunted House Finalists

MLIVE is having a Vote for Best Haunted House Contest in Various areas of Michigan this year, Below are the Finalists in each area. Be sure to visit those you. I am pleased to announce that 7 of the finalists through-out the State are Personal friends of ours. Congrats guys on being voted the best by so many of your fans.

Here are the finalists as voted on by MLIVE statewide polls:

• Jackson/Lansing
*DarkSyde Acres, 11375 Rowe Road, Jonesville
*Uncle Dicky’s Wrong Turn Haunted Attraction, 14171 Burt Road, Hudson

• Detroit
*Deadly Intentions in Warren
*Erebus in Pontiac

• Kalamazoo area
*Psycho Ward & Nightmares in Kalamazoo
*Niles Haunted House in Niles

• Flint

Spooky Trails Farm (Swartz Creek)

*St. Lucifer’s Haunted Asylum in Grand Blanc Township

 

• Grand Rapids
*The Haunt

• Saginaw
*St. Charles’ Village of the Living Dead

• Bay County
*Haunted Temple in Bay City

• Muskegon
*Wicked Ranch at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury

• Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County
* Brandywine Cemetery, Ann Arbor
* Night Terrors at Wiard’s Orchards, Ypsilanti Township

DarkSyde Acres Sponsors 5 Zombie events in Michigan

5 Zombie events sponsored by DarkSyde in 2012

Everybody loves a good Zombie and DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions is no exception to the rule. This Halloween season, DarkSyde acres has Sponsored 5 different Zombie events in Michigan through the month of October, doing our part to help bring Zombies a little closer to home and into the hearts of all.  Listed below are the events, be sure to visit them dressed up as your favorite brain stem gnawing, spleen chewing, earthworm harboring Zombie!

Jackson Michigan Annual Zombie Walk  2012

On October 13th, 2012 Zombies will over run the streets of Downtown Jackson, Michigan as they participate in the Annual Jackson Michigan zombie walk. This is a great zombie walk for a great cause, all proceeds are donated the March of Dimes.

Registration starts at 4:30.

The Walk begins at Biggby Coffee, located at 1025 N. Wisner and will limp along 2 miles into the heart of downtown Jackson, Michigan.

The Fun Run begins at The Hub, located 1825 Spring Arbor Rd., and will follow a 2.8 mile route into the heart of downtown Jackson, Michigan.  visit  zombiewalkjackson.com for more info

Holly Michigan Zombie Dash

 

Also on October 13th, 2012, Zombies will Over run the Holly State recreational park as they take part in a 5.7 kilometer race for their dinner, as they chase victims through a wooded trail.  This is the first of 2 Zombie Dashes this Year brought to you by Michigan Adventure racing. what a great chance to be a zombie or a victim.  visit  thezombiedash.com for more details

2012 Zombie Festival

Next up , on October 20, 2012  is the 2012 Zombie Festival in Kalamazoo Michigan. Join the Zombie Horde in Kalamazoo as they attempt to break the Guinness book of world records MOST ZOMBIES in one location at one time record.  This is a great event with a great cause as they are accepting donations for the Kalamazoo Loaves and Fish food bank. visit  zombierecord.com for more info

Grand Rapids Zombie Dash 2012

October 27, 2012 is the second Zombie Dash of the season. Zombies will converge on downtown Grand Rapids, as they give chase to their victims through the streets of Grand Rapids. this looks like a FUN event as you try to survive and beat the darkness…. for more info visit thezombiedash.com

Wicked Halloween Run 2012

With over 16,000 participants this may be the largest event of the season, Brought to you by the Kona Running Company.  Although not a totally Zombie themed event, it is a Family friendly Fun Halloween Marathon. Join everyone in Plymouth Michigan for the Wicked Halloween run on October 28, 2012 for a great day of  Halloween season fun!  The Wicked Halloween Run features a 10 K ~ 5 K ~ and fun mile for the participants as well as many other activities… visit wickedhalloweenrun.com for more information.

Proud Sponsor and Thanks

DarkSyde Acres Haunted House is a Proud Sponsor of all the events listed above for the 2012 Halloween season, all for great Causes and all great fun events. We would like to thank each and every event for allowing us to be a small part in their events. best wishes to all for the success of your event.

 

 

Friday night is College Night BOGO!

College NIGHT!

Friday Night is College Night at Darksyde.  DarkSyde Acres Haunted House and Attractions are offering College Students with a Valid College ID, a  BUY ONE ~ GET ONE offer. Buy any DarkSyde Combo Package and get a equal or lesser Ticket  FREE!  Cant beat that deal , so come on down, bring your ID and a Date then do the DarkSyde BOGO boogie!

School Spirit

So show your School spirit, load up the bus, full of Football players, cheer leaders, debate team and come on out to DarkSyde Acres for your Buy one get one discount!