By Natalie Vaughan
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The eerie sound of a low-pitched organ plays in the background, while children in costume playfully enjoy "Boo on the Boardwalk."

The atmosphere feels like a fairytale storybook containing both the real and the imaginable. Children, teenagers and adults fill the boardwalk day and night to relax and relish the excitement of the Kemah waterfront.

Entertainment is not scarce on the boardwalk, which includes a haunted house, magic shows, singing groups, pony rides, hayrides and story telling.

Spooky signs lead you directly to the most spooktacular event on the boardwalk-the Haunted House. With more than ten rooms inside, it is one of the largest haunted houses around. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, if you are brave enough to finish.

"It was so scary, I wanted to close my eyes the whole time, but I didn't, I just screamed," said Angela Hysler, a guest of the haunted house.

The Haunted House is open every day throughout October.

Some of the other entertainment on the boardwalk, however, are limited to the weekends. This includes the live entertainment on the plaza stage.

Plaza stage performers include Beetlejuice and the Graveyard Revue, and Johnny Andrey and The Vampire Vixens. Beetlejuice performs magic tricks, interacts humorously with spectators and, in closing, plays limbo with the crowd. Johnny Andrey and The Vampire Vixens sing cover songs on the plaza stage. They also get the audience involved and excited.

"They are definitely a favorite of mine," said Brandie Permenter, spectator. "I liked that they let people come on stage and get involved with their music. It made it very enjoyable to watch. They were a fun group and sounded good too."

Excitement and wonder fill the air as children wait in line to ride a pony. The ponies are guided around by trained individuals in a circular grassy area near Willie G's Seafood and Steakhouse.

Hayrides are another popular event offered on the boardwalk. Families, couples and friends pile onto the bales of hay and wait for the ride to begin. Although the rides are open in the afternoon, they are even more popular at night.

A free weekend package at the Boardwalk Inn is being offered to the winner of the Texas largest pumpkin weight guessing contest. Those interested can find the pumpkin near the shops lining the front of the hotel. The contest ends Oct. 31.

"Boo on the Boardwalk" offers fun and excitement for all ages. For more information call, (281) 334-9880 or visit www.kemahboardwalk.com.

From top to bottom: Ashley Stewart and Kaitlin Tunstall trick-or-treat on the boardwalk; Beetlejuice searches for a date in the audience; a crowd gathers to watch the entertainment on the plaza stage; Cody Windisch enjoys a pony ride; the largest pumpkin awaits the correct weight guess.
photos by Natalie Vaughan

Top of Page | Front Page