Zombies, pirates and clowns were just a few of the creepy characters waiting in the shadows of the haunted house in 145 Student Union on Tuesday as part of the early start to UB's Haunted Union.
The two-day celebration, which will continue with the entire Haunted Union event on Halloween, is a spooktacular UB tradition.
"We've been doing the Haunted Union for eight years, and this our seventh year for the haunted house," said Jennifer Wantz, assistant director of student activities.
According to Kate Schrum, a volunteer for the event, there have been a few additions to this year's haunted house.
"This year we have a Saw room, a circus carnival-themed room, a hallway with hanging limbs...this year we also have a mummy room," she said. "I think there is a lot more stuff this year; every year we keep adding to it."
Brandy Solomon, a senior psychology major, has visited the house four times since she came to UB her freshman year and liked what she saw this year.
"I like how they incorporated some elements of Saw IV already," she said. "It was really dark - that's the best part (because) you don't know what's coming."
Many hallways in the house were decorated with cobwebs and random amputated limbs. Of course, there were several masked figures that jumped out every so often.
As students emerged from amid the screams of the house, many were satisfied with the experience. The creepy corners made some hesitant to continue.
"It was hella scary...you don't expect (something) to be there and then they just subtlety make a noise and scare you," said Shanice Cherry, a sophomore English and art history major.
Behind the freaky masks were volunteers who had the best seats in the house and were able to see participants screaming as they tried to get through the house with their eyes open.
"Every year people come back from the previous year, and we have volunteers from different SA organizations," Schrum said. "Every year we hope to get more and more volunteers to make it more scary."
Many volunteers enjoyed not only scaring people during the event but preparing for it, as well.
"It's been a lot of fun setting up for it," said Jaclyn Russo, a junior undecided major. "It has been like a week-long process, but it's been a lot of fun and a big team effort."
Patrons felt that the house ghouls did a great job keeping people on their toes, scaring many when they least expected it.
"Someone would scare you and then you think, okay you have a while, but then all of a sudden: BOO!" said Andrew Zapfel, a sophomore international studies major.
There will be several other events as part of the Haunted Union continuing tomorrow in the Student Union Lobby with pumpkin carving, costume contests, apple cider, doughnuts and a host of other Halloween treats.
There will be an office decorating competition throughout the Student Union where students can judge the best decorated office while Trick-or-treating.
There will also be a psychic fair held in the Student Union Social Hall (flag room) throughout the day.
According to Wantz, an especially popular event of the Haunted Union is the screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the Student Union Theater at 12 a.m.
"It is traditionally shown on Halloween at midnight. I don't know why. That's just what we've been doing," Wantz said. "We have a group of people who come and act it out on stage, and then we supply some stuff for (the audience) to throw and act it out."
The haunted house and Haunted Union will continue Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
