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Shelley Osterloh ReportingAfter 26 years, this is the final fright for the Rocky Point Haunted House. More than 50-thousand people visit Rocky Point every year and it's ranked the number one haunted house in the country, but this is its last Halloween haunt.
Rocky Point's owner and creator, Cydney Neal, says it's simply time to do something else. In 26 years she has created a legacy of entertainment and positive impact on some 2000 young people who have worked and learned behind the makeup and scary sets.
What may look like creepy, out of control madness is really an organized, structured work environment for some 250 young people who staff Rocky Point. Most are between 16 and 25 years old. Many visited Rocky Point as children.
Logan Young, Dracula, 1st year at Rocky Point: "It's not about scaring people so much as about every one has fun."
Others, like award winning Hollywood Makeup artist, Chris Hanson, say it's the professionalism and positive atmosphere that's kept him coming back for nine years.
Chris Hanson, Make-up Director, Rocky Point: "Cydney spends all of her attention and time on detail, the painting of the sets, the building of the sets, the make up effects, the customized rubber pieces. Nobody else does that."
Cydney Neal is proud that Rocky Point has become so successful in its 26 years, but says its real purpose is to nurture and heal young people, and allow them to rebel in a safe way.
Cydney Neal, Owner Rocky Point: "So it's a very safe place for them to come and feel like they are kind of crossing the line, but it's very structured. It's very positive and they learn a lot of job skills, life skills, build their confidence."
Neal has developed a Youth Theater Program and uses incentives and positive feedback to help them develop skills and responsibility.
David Strebel, Make-up Artist, 5 years at Rocky Point: "This has created opportunities to do film and TV."
Carl Evans, Capt. Jack Sparrow, Three years at Rocky Point: "I'm here every single night for two months. So once I've made a commitment, I want to follow through with it, that's integrity for me."
This is Rocky's Point's last Halloween. When the mummies and screaming corpses are just a memory, Neal says she believes her young people will go on to do great things.
Cydney Neal,, Owner Rocky Point: "2000 kids are my legacy. And unlike things, those kids live on and will be a legacy forever because they'll pass on the things they leanred here so that pertty special for me "
Only five more nights of fright this Halloween, but Neal also plans to re-open in May for the Spring Scream, as it's called; and then, Rocky Point is no more. At this point, she plans to sell some of her scary stuff and auction off other items.
