Splatmandu Paintball Club | Three Rivers, MI

TIMES: Our event is running from 8:00pm until LAST GUEST. This could quite possibly mean that we will be running this event past the Midnight usual time-frame, depending on the crowd. If they are still in line and the group sizes are still large enough to accommodate, we will continue on. Group sizes coming through our event will never exceed 8, so keep that in mind. We release groups from the registration booth in the front yard every five minutes. This should mean that you will have a 5 minute break between groups… but depending on the actor in front of you, these times may vary.

DRESS WARM!!! So far, the weather forecast for Friday (Halloween) is high of 60 with LOWS in the mid to upper 30’s. This will be the coldest year yet, so dress in layers. Black is always a good thing… wear lots of it. It works with most of your costumes. In case we have a few no-shows, if we have to jostle some people around, you are half-way there already! Also, it’s a good idea to bring those hunting hand-warmers, blankets or other items that you can have handy between groups that will warm you up. Not all sets will have fire… but some have electricity. Can’t guarantee that there will be a plug available, but it’s never a bad idea to bring your own extension cord with whatever space-heater or other warming device you might want to use. Anything you can donate to others that might need it would be very nice as well.

ATTENTION CHAINSAW OWNERS: We are always in need of those talented individuals that can wield a chainsaw. Even if you are already assigned to a different set and have a chainsaw to donate, (or can take an hour shift running a chainsaw) please let us know and bring your chainsaw with you ready to go! (This means NO CHAIN, gassed up, and any additional spark plugs, etc. to keep your equipment operational for the duration of the evening). We already have several people assigned to Chainsaw duty, but the more people we know that are willing to help out, the better. It’s a tiring job running that saw, so if we know there are others willing to rotate in and out, it will save a lot of shoulders. BRING DARK SKI MASKS AND WEAR BLACK if you are a designate chainsaw guy/gal… or even if you’re not and have some to donate for the night!

GET TO SPLATMANDU by 6:30pm: It is always hectic right before 3..2…1. GO! Anyone who can get here earlier on Friday to help with any incidentals that might have gone awry, we would appreciate it. So far, we have got everything pretty dialed, but you never know what might happen at the last minute. You will need time to familiarize yourself with your set and area during the light, so that you know your “scare lanes” in the dark. Also, we always welcome help getting the lighting checked, generators going, or whatever else might need to be dealt with. Also, those needing assistance with makeup or costumes, Shannon and I are here to help, but we need time to help everyone, so please give us that time. ALL ACTORS NEED TO BE AT THEIR SETS READY-TO-GO by 7:30pm. If you are not, you will see what will happen.

TED AND KATHY: Ted is performing a wedding on Halloween, so both Ted and Kathy will not be available to help from 4-7pm. We need to make sure that everything is ready so that they only have to worry about their costumes and getting to their sets on time.

WE DO NOT RUN ON SPLATMANDU TIME FOR THIS EVENT: We are catering to the general public and whether we are ready or not, the first group WILL LAUNCH at 8:00pm SHARP. Be prepared.

BRING FOOD/WATER ETC. Whatever items that you might deem necessary to have with you to keep you properly hydrated and fed, please remember to bring it. Mike the Hotdog Guy will be in the yard serving those delectable dogs we love so much, but for this event especially, there is NO ROAMING OFF YOUR SET. Kathy and possibly others will be floating around checking on everyone, and we will do our best to make sure you are ok, but don’t count on us to feed you. If you must leave your set for a bathroom break, boys – find the nearest tree if possible, otherwise talk with a key member about alternate ways to the house so the guests don’t see you. Bring comfortable seating, blankets, etc. for your down times. Also, everyone should have a lighter on them. If this is a windy evening (when have you ever seen a Halloween in Michigan that wasn’t) you might have to run out between groups and re-light a tiki-torch or two.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT: This year more than most, there will be guests coming through our forest who cannot handle the fear that we instill in them. If you see someone who is having a panic attack, faints, assumes the fetal position mid-trail, or is generally too terrified to continue… please notify our support staff who are roaming (if available) or you may have to break character to lead them out of the woods personally. This is not ideal, but safety first. There also may be a few people that make it past security that once in the woods, may have become a bit too inebriated to be here. We have had isolated occasions in past years where a guest becomes aggressive. If you see one if these guests – same rules apply. Find support staff, or walk them out.

SATURDAY ANYONE? Even though we scaled back this year, anyone local who is willing to help with the tear-down on Saturday or Sunday… we would be ever-so-appreciative. The hardest part about this event is the morning after… so if anyone can help …please do.

I know this is a lot of information, and I am sure I missed a lot too. Veterans to our event; please add any tips or suggestions that I may have forgotten to this thread.

Thank you all for your help… you will have a blast… and as always, we are helping out the Domestic Assault Shelter ONE MORE TIME this season, which is always a great thing. Thank you thank you!

Jen
Splatmandu Film Crew from April thru September
“Scare Coordinator” for SplatmanBOO Haunted Forest in October