While frightful films and the terrors that leap off the page are fictional, they will be crossing over into the real world for one weekend in Williamsburg – to do battle with something even more sinister.
Scares That Care is an approved 501(c)(3) who fights the “real monsters” of childhood illness, burns and breast cancer by helping families that are experiencing these extraordinary hardships cope with the financial burden. This non-profit organization provides money, toys and other items to help sick children. Additional programs include “Scares For Pairs,” dedicated to helping women fight breast cancer, and the “I Helped Kane” program – in partnership with horror icon Kane Hodder — which provides assistance to children who have suffered serious burn injuries.
For Scares That Care Weekend, which will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton July 22-24, the organization has packed three days full of spooky fun and spine-tingling surprises, all in the name of banishing the things that go bump in the night. Among the eerie events that will have attendees screaming with delight:
- Celebrity Guests – The Celebrity Room will be open all three days of the event. Among this year’s luminaries will be Mitch Pileggi (“Shocker”), Bob Gunton (“Dead Silence”), Danny Lloyd (“The Shining”), Meg Foster (“They Live”), Brooke Smith (“Silence of the Lambs”), a reunion of the cast of the 1977 Wes Craven classic “The Hills Have Eyes,” makeup artists RJ Haddy and Roy Wooley, “Karate Kid” stars William Zabka and Martin Kove, and many more.
- 5K Run/Walk – Taking place Friday night, this race winds through town; you’re guaranteed to spot zombies along the course, monsters at the finish line and scary creatures roaming the post-race party with finisher medals for all participants.
- Kids Trick or Treat – A guided tour for children 15 and under.
- Scaryoke – A late-night treat: karaoke with a frightening twist.
- Zombie Hunt – For kids 12 and under.
- Haunted House – Presented by the Red Vein Army, this year’s theme: “Portal to Providence.”
In addition, there will be a film festival, author readings, photo ops and much, much more. Last year’s event drew over 3,000 attendees, so there will be plenty of people to share in this weekend-long horrific hootenanny.
To plan your trip to Williamsburg for Scares That Care Weekend, drop us a line at [email protected] or visit us at www.takethreenights.com. To receive information about events in all of our 40+ travel destinations, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!