By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Kent McClary remembers the first scary movie he snuck into by lying about his age. His mom had warned him that children would be “permanently scarred” by watching “The Exorcist.” That was enough to convince McClary he had to see the flick.
Later, he was terrorized by the book “The Amityville Horror,” due to the subtitle, “A True Story,” which he took to be the sworn truth.
“I like to get scared,” said McClary, a retired Kenwood Elementary teacher.
Janet McClary, his wife, remembers going to “freak shows” as a child, marveling in horror at Lobster Boy and Alligator Woman.
The McClarys, like many people, enjoy having the bejeebers scared out of them. Every Sunday evening, Kent McClary shares his love of spooky topics on the “Dead Air” radio show on 88.1 FM.
But why? Why do so many people pay to get goosebumps and a racing heart? Especially this time of year, when people stand in long lines at haunted houses and pull out classic terror movies.
One popular theory is that we humans have the fight or flight instinct imbedded in us. However, in today’s world most people have very few chances to put that instinct into action. So a scary movie, book or haunted house gives us the opportunity to face fears in a safe environment. We get the adrenaline rush, and the sense of relief once we have survived the imagined danger.
Margee Kerr, a sociologist who focuses on the study of fear and teaches at the University of Pittsburgh, explained why some humans crave thrills and chills. Her research shows that our bodies’ threat responses trigger chemicals meant to help us survive, flooding our bodies and brains with adrenaline, endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. This response shares similarities with other high arousal responses, like when we’re happy, excited and surprised. The importance is knowing the difference between a real threat or just a thrill.
Not everyone likes being scared, even in a safe place. For some people a racing heart, sweaty palms, and fear of anticipation is just too much to tolerate, let alone purposefully induce. But for others, being scared in a safe place is a source of enjoyment and makes them feel strong when they overcome a scary situation, Kerr found.
That thrill-seeking behavior is what Bob Turner – otherwise known as “Crazy Bob” from the Haunted Hydro in Fremont – is counting on.
“You are paying money to get scared,” Turner said during a presentation to the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club on Thursday.
Janet McClary remembers well her first trip to the Haunted Hydro more than 20 years ago. She was scared out of her wits, but couldn’t get enough of the adrenaline rush.
“That started me down this twisted path,” she said to the Kiwanis Club audience.
“I’m a victim of this stuff too,” her husband said. “I think it’s part of our nature to do that.”
The couples’ reactions are different to haunted attractions. Kent McClary views it more as a theater experience. He enjoys watching the people in the line, clinging to each other in fright. Janet McClary, on the other hand, is one of those people terrified by the severed limbs, the splattered brain matter, the high pitched screams, the buzz of the chainsaw.
The couple is so hooked on haunted attractions that they travel to several each Halloween season. This year that includes trips to Cincinnati to see the Schoolhouse with Crazed Janitor Charlie, plus Akron, Cleveland and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Some are closer, like the haunted cornfield in Putnam County and Panic in the Pines in Genoa.
“It’s the adrenaline rush of not knowing where the monster is going to come from,” Janet McClary said. And there’s the hype before entering, that guests “may not make it out alive.”
The McClarys are hoping to hit the Haunted Hydro on “lights out” night this year, when each group is given a single glow stick to show their path through the attraction.
“How much more fun can that be,” Janet McClary said, with a grin.
When the McClarys first met “Crazy Bob” Turner, with his trademark bullet hole in the head, the couple knew he was their kind of guy. Turner, who has been operating the Haunted Hydro for more than 25 years, cautioned there are some limits to how much guests can tolerate.
Turner said he relies on high energy, great elements of surprise and medium gore. He is also very cautious to not cross the line of community standards. To come up with the haunted scenes, he uses a mix of Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense, Red Skelton’s mirth and humor, and Disney.
But if anyone thinks this is kids stuff, they are dead wrong.
“Don’t worry, we do sell Depends in the gift shop,” Turner said.
Janet McClary has her own Achilles’ heel when it comes to haunted attractions. She admits to getting creeped out by “monsters” grabbing at her ankles. “Oh God, I hate the ankles,” she said.
But yet, she loves the thrill of the unknown. “That’s the ultimate question. Why?” To which the McClarys and other thrill seekers say “Why not?”
