September 26, 2006 > Pirates of Emerson- Taking the art of scare to a higher level

by Linda Stone

Avast ye maties! Come one, come all to AOL's # 8 haunt in the country for a unforgettable Halloween experience, right here in your own backyard.

Be advised that the Pirates of Emerson is not for the faint at heart. This adult-themed haunt is taking the experience to a new level for 2006, culminating in 15 years of fear. Visitors will journey back in time to the 15th century when pirates reigned supreme and whose spirits have come back to terrorize you.

Occupying three acres on the corner of Warm Springs and South Grimmer boulevards in Fremont, this spook-tacular event is do not miss. "This is an amazing extravaganza," said Brian Fields, son of Karl and Patty Fields who started Pirates of Emerson in their home in Mission San Jose 15 years ago. After several years, they outgrew their space and eventually moved to the current location at 45031 Warm Springs Blvd. Today, over 150 volunteers help to make visitors walk away with a terrifying and unforgettable experience.

Visitors can expect to see sword fighters, storytellers, a laser extravaganza by Cambridge Lightworks, and a 40-foot screen showing pirate movies, as well as food vendors. And, that's before you even enter the haunt! "It's kind of a renaissance atmosphere outside," said Brian.

Once inside the compound you'll find scummy pirates lurking around the three major areas of Haunted Harbor (this year's theme). Shipwreck 3-D with its murals of skeletons and sea life and a spinning vortex tunnel and the Bilge Rat Run maze which is a "dark and smoky quarters where all the meanest scallywags roam," will shock even the most seasoned haunted house aficionados. Dark Adventure is an interactive environment where visitors are actually part of the scene. An extensive use of special effects, robotics and animatronics, are all created for maximum scare. However, we don't want to give away too much, you'll have to see it for yourself.

This California premier production has caught the attention of The Discovery Channel who will be filming a documentary on haunted attractions.

Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult, high heels are not recommended. Credit cards, checks and ATM cards are not accepted at the ticket window; however, you can order your tickets online at www.piratesofemerson.com. This show is wheelchair accessible. This attraction is not for the meek - there are no Good Fairies available for scaredy cats.

Pirates of Emerson - A Haunted Adventure
Opening weekend Friday - Sunday, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1
7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday

Open 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sundays and during the week.

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays except for Oct. 30 and 31.
Also closed Wednesday, Oct. 4

General Admission Ticket $18
Includes Main Haunt, Pirates of the Deep 3D and the Bilge Rat Maze.
VIP/Speed Pass Ticket $28
Includes all events plus no waiting in Haunt queue lines.

45031 Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont
(510) 657-2121
www.piratesofemerson.com