Showing posts with label woodland hills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woodland hills. Show all posts

Saturday, October 24, 2009

#45: Fright Fair At Pierce College


The demon guarding the Creatures Of the Corn Trail

Halloween is coming and I'm sure you've considered going to Knotts Scary Farm or Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. If you're looking for something a little under the radar, however, check out the Fright Fair at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. It's put on by the students at Pierce College, and it's so scary, it will turn your hair grey!


I couldn't believe the production that these kids put on. For $25, you can get access to the regular corn maze, the Creatures of the Corn Maze, and the Haunted House. Due to time restrictions, we opted for the $20 package, which allows you access to just the Creatures of the Corn Maze and the Haunted House.

We went on a weeknight, and the place was not crowded at all. It kind of lent a "deserted carnival" type of feel to the place, making it even more eery.


The Creatures of the Corn is a haunted trail through the corn fields. There are lots of creatures hiding in the corn waiting to jump out and scare you. They aren't allowed to touch you, but they still manage to frighten you quite a bit. At one point, a guy jumped out with a chain saw and I screamed and ran. Brad, however, kept walking at his normal slow pace and I soon found myself all by myself in the corn. In the dark. It was quite frightening, and I cried for Brad. Haha. The whole trail takes about 5 minutes.


The Haunted House, believe it or not, was even scarier. You will be having nightmares of evil clowns, zombies and demons after leaving this crazy house of horrors. Btw, the Haunted House is not a place for epileptics--there's a lot of flashing lights everywhere that are meant to disorient you.

Does all of this sound too scary for you? Well during the day there's a regular (unhaunted) corn maze, games, bouncy castles, kettle corn (so good!) and much more.


You have just one more week left to catch this great fair. Go on a weekday to beat the crowds.


Monday, October 5, 2009

#28: Richie Gaona's Trapeze School


WHAT: My first trapeze class

WHERE:
Richie Ganoa's backyard in Woodland Hills

TIME:
Sunday morning (our time slot was from 11:30-1, but our class went past 2. Talk about getting your money's worth!)

COST:
$45

THE MISSION:
Hang upside down on the bar by your knees , let go of the bar, and then let someone catch you on the other side o_O


RESULTS:
Mission Successful! Before coming here, I was afraid that I wouldn't even be able to hold onto the bar for more than 3 seconds. So when I completed the knee hang/catch, I was just flabbergasted... And oh-so-proud of myself too! :) The next day I did pay the price: sore muscles, sore neck, a mysterious bruise on my knee and some minor scrapes. It was so worth it, though, and three days later I was feeling like new.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The classes are mixed level with about
10 people total. There were 4 of us "first-timers" on Sunday, and we were given a 10 minute introduction on how to jump off the platform and how to hang upside down. We then took turns hanging upside down on a practice bar that was suspended close to the ground. After the brief run down, we were up up and away.


I didn't think I would get nervous up there on the platform, but I did. For a minute as you're waiting to get harnessed, you don't have anything on and you're standing on a wooden board that's a foot wide. Even with the net below you, it's freaky.

Once you jump, though, it's smooth sailing. We each got to jump about 7 times total. The first few times were just swinging back and forth, which was then followed by a knee hang and then a catch. My legs were shaky each time I finished, but I couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. This was definitely one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, and something I am so proud to have done. Once I get up the courage again, I'll take my next class and try the half turn catch.

By the way, Richie is a professional. He has worked with celebrities like Tom Cruise and Jackie Chan for movie stunts and he comes from a long generation of trapeze artists.

Go ahead and book a slot! If I can do it, so can you :)