Like the zombies and ghouls and ghosts that infest the world of the living at Halloween, a Beaver Lake legend once again will rise as the Nightmare descends on Sammamish.
Goliath, the animatronic gargoyle will make its triumphant return when “Nightmare at Beaver Lake” reopens Friday, Oct. 17 at Beaver Lake Park, 2656 244th Ave. S.E., in Sammamish.
The two-week event is presented by the Sammamish Rotary Club, Scare Productions and the Sammamish Parks and Recreation Department. As a major fundraiser for the Rotary, “Nightmare” funds Rotary projects throughout the year, including scholarship programs at local schools, aid for local charities, and assistance for a pair of communities adopted by the Rotary in Nicaragua.
“It started as something to give the kids to do during the Halloween season, and it’s mushroomed into a huge event,” Sammamish Rotary President Cary Young said. “Last year, we had more than 13,000 patrons.”
A fan favorite since the annual Halloween carnival opened in 2004, Goliath was absent from last year’s “Nightmare” after years of weather, wear and tear forced organizers to sideline Goliath for extensive repairs and refurbishing.
“Our partners, Scare Productions, brought up a guy from Hollywood that does special effects, and he rehabbed Goliath,” Young said.
“Nightmare” functions much like a haunted house, with attendees walking through a trail of gory and scary scenes meant to frighten and horrify. The first 45 minutes every night is set aside for families with young children, with actors toning down the scare factor until the “full fright” experience kicks in at 8 p.m.
On average, the Rotary spends about $40,000 on the event. In 2013, Young said the Rotary profited $187,000 after expenses. All staff and actors in the show are volunteers drawn from local schools and groups.
Shows begin at 7 p.m. nightly through the end of October, except for Monday and Tuesday nights. Admission during the Family Scare times from 7-7:45 p.m. are $11. When the full scare begins at 8 p.m., tickets jump to $18 until close (10 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 p.m. on other days.)
Attendees also can purchase a $10 fast pass to bypass the entry line. A $1 discount is available for patrons who donate a non-perishable food item benefiting Lifewire, formerly known as the Eastside Domestic Violence Program.
For more information or to preorder tickets, visit www.nightmareatbeaverlake.com.
Ed note: The print version of this story that appeared in the Sept. 26 edition incorrectly listed Swedish Hospital as a presenting sponsor.
