Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. My favorite time of year, while working at the theme parks in Florida, was Halloween. There was just something extraordinarily special about Halloween. The costumes, the treats, the music, even the rides would get a makeover. There was always a sense of the unknown. It was a blast! 

Since not all of us can make it to Disney World, SeaWorld or Universal Studios, allow me to share with you what life was like for me while being a part of the entertainment world during one of the most fun days of the year…

It was dark. I was alone. I had just parked my vehicle in the employee parking lot. The bubbles and smoke machines made it almost impossible to see one foot in front of me. I walked slowly in fear of tripping over something or someone. There were things going bump in the night. I kept glancing back to make sure I was still alone, but something told me I wasn’t.

Thump, bump, tssss, splash, tink, creeks, groans and moans began to fill the air. In a panic, I began to walk a little quicker. I could feel and hear my heart beating faster with every step. I couldn’t tell if it was my heavy breath or if someone was breathing intensely in my ear. I was starting to break out into a chilly sweat. 

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I screeched. I didn’t look back – I started to run. I wanted so badly to find a place to hide, or at least encounter a friendly face. The walk from my car to my makeup chair felt like an eternity. Not another soul in sight! How can this be?! Just as I had thought of turning back to my car and making my escape, the smoke and bubbles evaporated and I realized it was raining. 

Suddenly, I stumbled upon a gang of zombies. They surrounded me. My dream of escaping was a lost cause. Then, out of nowhere, they broke out into Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I couldn’t help but join in. Cheesy? Yes, I know, but this was my life as an entertainer. I loved every minute of it.

I know it isn’t always easy to take a vacation, but there are tons of festive events nearby to go and enjoy. I recommend you do so. Who knows?! You just might heighten your senses and get inspired to travel and explore more. Happy Halloween! Please be safe.  

(Originally published in the October 31, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)