(Avi Terali / Fourth Estate)

From fun costumes to haunted houses, spooky season is here

BY AVI TERALI, STAFF WRITER

Last week, the annual “Once Upon a Scream” event hosted by the Patriot Activities Council at Mason transformed Chesapeake River Way into a spectacularly spooky area. 

The Oct. 23 event included a haunted house, pumpkin-smashing station, face-painting and other fun Halloween activities for students. 

Crisp autumn air blew as 1,468 students gathered with cool costumes and Halloween spirit. The mood was set with upbeat music and seasonal decorations. When students first checked in there was a variety of Halloween necklaces to choose from, each one with a different icon. 

“I think this is such a cool event and a great social opportunity. I hope there are more like this in the future,” freshman Camilia Rosa-Perez said.

Colorful lights and inflatable Halloween decorations illuminated the area as students laughed and cheered while playing carnival games like beanbag toss and plushie tic-tac-toe. Nearby, a “Potion-Making Station” was set with mini bottles filled with a mix of edible glitter, Kool-Aid powder and gatorade to create a magical drink. 

Another booth allowed guests to fill and decorate jars with essential oils and Orbeez, adding to the creative holiday experience. 

(Avi Terali / Fourth Estate)

The star of the night was the haunted house. Lines for the attraction wrapped around the parking lot and decorations delivered plenty of scares. Volunteers dressed in creepy costumes lurked eerily, chasing and staring at unsuspecting attendees to everyone’s amusement.

“I really loved this event and I’m glad I can help. It’s great to talk to people and make sure everyone has a fun experience celebrating Halloween,” said Aaliyah Veal, a senior and PAC member.

One of the most unique attractions was the lipology stall featuring one of the only ten certified lipologists in the world. Students lined up for the opportunity to have their lip prints analyzed and learn what their present emotions and energy might reveal. 

Across from the carnival games, students made digital word art featuring Halloween icons like pumpkins, ghosts and vampires, snapped photos at the themed photo booth and built towers at the giant Jenga station. A prize redemption booth rewarded game winners with spooky souvenirs and halloween plushies. 

(Avi Terali / Fourth Estate)

Every student’s costume showcased their creativity, including group themes like Alvin and the Chipmunks, anime cosplays and even Mason-related costumes like Starship delivery robots. 

“I thought the event was pretty cool. Overall, I got to see a lot of different costumes — it was a fun place to appreciate everyone’s different interests and creativity,” freshman Jordan Bridger said.

As the night came to an end, the laughter and music lingered in the air — proof that Once Upon a Scream delivered the perfect mix of chills, creativity and Mason spirit.