Hocus Pocus and Monsterland

Halloween in the East Valley promises to be a frightening and yet friendly event through SCC’s Hocus Pocus event and the new Monsterland experience.

The Hocus Pocus Halloween event, which is hosted by the Student Leadership Forum, is back for round two this year. SCC students and faculty are invited to spend a few fun- filled hours carving pumpkins to donate to Scottsdale Village Square Senior Adult Living Center.

 “Last year was the first year that we incorporated the volunteer aspect by donating pumpkins and we had a great response from the students as well as the residents from Scottsdale Village Square,” said Becky Bradley, director of SCC's Student Life and Leadership.

The event is free of charge and Student Leadership Forum will deliver the carved pumpkins to the senior center. The pumpkin carving on campus will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29.  Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, however, they are not required.

Sarah Ehrman, a student at SCC was really excited when she found out about the Hocus Pocus event. “I think this is an awesome opportunity to help out the community. I will definitely be attending,” Ehrman said.

Violet L’Heureux, a member of the Scottsdale Leadership Forum said, “The elderly had so much fun and they just loved to sit and talk with all of us forever.”

Another way to get into the Halloween spirit is at Monsterland, a new Halloween experience coming to town. It opened Oct. 8.

Monsterland is a riveting 40-minute encounter jam-packed with frightful entertainment. Located on two acres at the crossroads of Ironwood and Ocotillo in Queen Creek, it is going to be worth the drive.

Monsterland is different from other haunted attractions around the Valley with over 1,000 monsters. What sets this haunted encounter apart from the others is that Monsterland uses original costumes from older horror movies such as American Werewolf in London.

 “I really enjoy watching old horror movies particularly zombie movies. I think that Monsterland will be a great place to check out since they will have some of the original costumes there,” said Ryan Hersch an avid horror film viewer and a resident of Queen Creek.

This Halloween season there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit. There are activities for everyone to enjoy from carving pumpkins at SCC to being scared at Monsterland in Queen Creek.