Friday October 12th, we set off for Fright Factory. We're joined by friends Dean, Kim, Vince and Kyle. With the exception of Kyle, this is the same group that accompanied us to Frightland, another attraction of Haunted Industries.
We arrived at Fright Factory where they were joined by Y100, with plans for Q102 to be there the following weekend. Greeted by Security, we had our bags searched before entering the attraction. Once again, I was impressed by this added concern for safety that seems to be specific to Aven Warren and Phil Miller's endeavors.
At this point, we run into Tim Shober, the manager, who is running around in a straightjacket (too appropriate!). Later, as we regrouped in front of the building, Dean remarked how you had to love the way Tim just stood there and rocked. He made quite a convincing mental patient.... (Personally, I loved how he made Brian jump 3 feet in the air when he came running out of the shadows screaming as we made our way thru the long entrance. He'd have gotten me too, but I was a few feet ahead of the group, eyes focused on "The Asylum" ahead of me. I turned around just in time to see Brian's feet hit the floor again!

).
The amount of work this talented cast had completed in just the short time since our last visit was astonishing. And this time, they managed to find a way to startle our friend Dean! While I am spooked by people above my head, apparently he is alarmed by people who come out of spaces at about groin height.
We ventured in, and even knowing what to expect from some of the rooms did not help in all instances. Coming into the cemetery scene, I just wanted to walk around and look at everything. My "alert" stance was replaced by awe. This room was no where near the "bare boned" room I had viewed a few weeks prior.
We were then led to "Alien Invasion." This one would prove to be a complete surprise, Brian and I had not even walked thru this attraction on our previous visit. That was actually kind of fun, because we approached each turn with a little more trepidation than the Asylum. Again, a great job!
Next, we were led into "Carn-Evil," their 3-D house, where clowns beckoned us around corners, trying to coerce us to our doom. We had also viewed this one in progress, but we had to share one pair of glasses for the group, so it was nice to have my own glasses :)
We met with Aven after our tour, and discussed how things had been going with Fright Factory. The lines were not long, but there seemed to be a steady flow of people. When asked how his turnout had been so far, he replied it had been comparable to Frightland in its fledgling year.
Aven then began discussing plans for next year. There are plans for a "Black Hole" similar to the one that had "gotten us all" at their other location. This one will require some work; they will have to dig down 4 feet for clearance in this location. We noticed that they had not included the "elevator" whose workings we were introduced to in September. This is another feature they intend to incorporate next year.

It is probably unfortunate that we visited Frightland so early in the "haunt" season for it has made it a tad difficult to be objective in my reviews as it raised the bar of my expectations. While I have no doubt that this crew can turn this location into an outstanding attraction, it is still their first year. Frightland has had several years to develop a seasoned cast, many of whom return annually for the event, and time has allowed its owners to tweak it to the outstanding event it is.
As we stood in front of the building, I was approached by a young couple and a father. The young man asked if I had been thru Fright Factory and if it worth the price. I told them I had and I believed it was. After assuring them that I was NOT an employee but that I was here to "review" this haunt, the young couple proceeded to the window and entered the building. Being with such a chatty group, we continued to hang out for a bit, and spotted the young couple at one of the concession stands on our way out. They stopped me and told me "It was great! Thank you!" So that will have to speak for itself.... Fright Factory was a great time. Please make sure you give it a try.... and look for it only to get better in years to come!