With only two months until Halloween, Ruby Falls is already close to completion of the underground portion of its annual Haunted Cavern. This years event is being designed and built by Frank Marano, a special effects professional best know for his design of the character Leatherface, the star of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003”
“It is a perfect setting for this sort of thing,” Marano states. “Being 260 feet underground is creepy enough, but what we have created will defiantly be a harrowing experience for all who enter.”
Marano, a Pennsylvania native, visited last year's Haunted Cavern event with friend Andrew Bryniarski (Leatherface from the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003) and knew that it was something that he just had to do. He has spent the last 10 months living in Chattanooga preparing the cavern. Many of the materials and props he has built from scratch. Marano has also called upon his contacts in the horror film industry and has already received many donations in the form of props, masks and molds, many of which have been used in major motion picture releases.
Prop donations have also been provided by Michael Burnett Productions (credits include: House of 1,000 Corpses (2003), Cursed (2005)), Wayne Toth (credits include: The Devil's Rejects (2005) House of 1000 Corpses (2003) Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993)) and KNB EFX Group (Credits include: Land of the Dead (2005) Cursed (2005) Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003))
Unlike any haunted attraction in the area, the Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern takes place over 260 feet underground. Unguided tours begin with an elevator ride deep into the heart of Lookout Mountain. From there visitors must find their way out while encountering several scenes of terror and over 25 live actors.
The theme for this year’s Haunted Cavern includes a rogue band of Civil War Zombies, who have invaded the cave, and ends with a “Werewolf Forest Maze.”
The Haunted Cavern at Ruby Falls opens on Friday, Sept. 30, and will be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the month of October, as well as Halloween night. Unguided tours through the cavern begin after dark. (8 p.m.)