MANSFIELD — After an unexpected delay, the Ohio State Reformatory is expected to open its haunted experience “Escape from Blood Prison” on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Originally planned to have opened last week, the delay was caused by fire code concerns brought about by additions made to the layout that were different from last year. Another inspection is expected before Thursday’s opening.
The yearly scare includes frights, special effects, professional make up and a staff of actors to bring the scary scenes to life.
“The United States prison system is in disarray… The worst inmates all over the United States have escaped their respective institutions looking for a new place to call home. After numerous murder sprees and in some cases “Clown Sightings” across the nation, these psychopaths have found the destination they were looking for in Mansfield Ohio,” read a blurb on the Ohio State Reformatory website. “Once known for filming movies and music videos, these crazed inmates have taken over and renamed it BLOOD PRISON! The authorities do not dare go after them as these extremely psychotic inmates have The Ohio State Reformatory locked down…but every Halloween they open up the gates and dare anyone to try and make it through this once famous prison.”
General admission is $20, while other “fast pass” options are available. Tickets are also available in advance online. Group rates are also available at a discounted price, and there is no additional fee for parking.
Gates open at 6 p.m.Thursday through Sunday evenings, and close between 10pm-midnight, depending on the evening.
Costumes are allowed, but faces cannot be covered when inside the event.
Due to content, their is a minimum age requirement of 13 years old to enter and must have adult supervision.
Regular day tours of the Historic Ohio State Reformatory will not be conducted while the Escape from Blood Prison event is going on.
Ink in the Clink returning
It was also just announced that the popular Ink in the Clink tattoo and music festival is coming back next summer, July 14-16, 2018.
Produced by Rick and Susan Fields, the unique event features more than 100 tattoo artists, four daily tattoo artist contests, plus Tattoo of the Day and Best in Show awards. In addition, food trucks, palm readers, oddity vendors and other attractions. Some three dozen bands will perform throughout the weekend, including Three Days Grace, In this Moment, Theory of a Deadman, All that Remains and more.
“Ink in the Clink is truly unlike any other event in the nation,” said Mary Cabrera Kennard, Deputy Director of the Ohio State Reformatory. “It combines high-adrenaline music with a showcase of world-class tattoo artists, at an incredible, historic destination.”
Ink in the Clink tickets are available online at inkintheclink.com. Single day passes are $55 per person and a full weekend pass is available for $150. The IITCevents runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A full list of vendors, artists, and musicians can be found at InkintheClink.com.
“Rick and Susan Fields are great people to work with and have created such a cool and unusual event that will draw thousands of visitors to Mansfield.”
Rocky Horror coming to Mansfield
Fans of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will get their chance to view the cult classic Oct. 3o.
The Ohio State University at Mansfield is hosting two participatory viewings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 30 … at 8 p.m. and at midnight. The film will be shown in Founders Auditorium in Ovalwood Hall. Admission is only $5, and is free for students with a current, valid Ohio State Mansfield or NC State ID card. Proceeds will support the Friends of the Theatre.
Participants are invited to dress in costume and bring their own props for the show, with the exception of liquids, rice, and confetti. Concessions will be available for purchase.
For information, call 419 755-4045, or email Andy Sokolich at [email protected], or Dr. Joe Fahey at [email protected].
