ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
As you enter the labyrinth of the Karnival of Karnage, this klown image will pop out in 3-D paint.

By Anne Eickstadt

Billy Hopper III, Mike Lowe and many other volunteers are working with the Tebala Shriners to bring you the 2020 Karnival of Karnage at the Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 Illinois Route 76.

“We are working within pandemic restrictions so we are running things a little differently this year,” Hopper said. “Visitors will wait in their cars instead of lining up at the door. We will text their cell phone to let them know when it is their group’s turn to enter. Entrances are being timed to keep a distance between groups. Social distancing is being maintained and the rooms and entries are set up to do so safely and efficiently. Hand sanitizer is readily available. This year’s Karnival of Karnage is going to have to run like a well-oiled machine.

“The volunteers got to help design the rooms where they will be performing. That way each room is personalized to the character and the volunteers are comfortable with the surroundings they are working in. It takes between 20 and 30 characters to run this haunted house. We will also have monsters roaming around outside as well.

“Besides our character volunteers in costume, we will have Boone County Sheriff’s Deputies, Boone County Fire District #2 firefighters, and a Lifeline Ambulance on hand each night. We feed all of them so they are ready for their evening of frights and rescues (if necessary).

“Just inside the entryway is a Balloon Pop game with prizes. Everyone who plays will also be entered in a raffle for a large-screen TV or a go-kart. The go-kart is from the Tebala Shriners and can be used by both children and adults. It’s a really nice go-kart. We will also have hoodies available for sale next to the Balloon Pop game. The hoodies sell for $30. Profits from this event will benefit the Tebala Shriners and the work they do.”

Upon entry, everyone will receive 3-D glasses to better enjoy the 3-D paintings and props inside. Visitors can expect to see klowns, a kitchen and snack shop with some of the strangest ingredients, a toxic waste site, and a superhero killer, as well as spiders, skary dolls, and a spinning Vortex. And a great deal more. (Mwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!)

Open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight and Sundays and some weekdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enter the fairgrounds from Gate 2 off of Fairgrounds Road. Welcome to the freakshow….

“We will be holding Halloween for the kids because we feel like everyone should be able to celebrate. We here at KOK (Karnival of Karnage) have decided to hold a non-skary trick or treating fun event for children. Dress them up in their costumes, bring a bag for candy, and walk through our haunt (with all the lights on) to get candy from all of the monsters. Children of all ages are welcome.

“Again, this is a non-skary event, free of charge, that will be held on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a prize for the best children’s costume. Bring the kiddos out for some Halloween fun.

“The normal haunt will then begin at 7 p.m. and will go until midnight.

We hope your whole family will enjoy what we have worked so hard to bring you, even with the guidelines and recommendations we have to follow.

“We have had a lot of people ask if they should bring candy. The answer is, ‘yes, please.’ We are all volunteers donating our time and efforts and every little bit helps out. Thank you for asking and I hope you have a wonder-fully frightening experience here at the 15th annual Karnival of Karnage.”

 
 
 
Buy Viagra Overnight Delivery USA.