Clowns, clowns, clowns, clowns...

Already considered a classic Halloween Haunt fixture, Carnival of Carnivorous Clowns - this year "From Outer Space" - continues to be one of the most popular mazes at Knott's Scary Farm.

Clowns (affectionately known as "C3" to loyalists and employees) is becoming one of the longest-running mazes in Haunt history.  This year, designers peppered the maze with outer space props and a weird space ship-looking thing at the end.  Why?  That's anyone's guess, but it's safe to say that this one goes down in the history books with the longest name in Scary Farm history - Carnival of Carnivorous Clowns From Outer Space.  If you really want to draw it out, you may add "In 3-D."

The maze itself is just as long as its title - with a very impressive layout and great scenes all along the way.  Although long-time Haunt fans will perhaps feel that Clowns is becoming a bit on the stale side regardless of the outer space shot in the arm, it seems to be huge still with fans of all ages.

Which brings the question - just how much longer can Clowns be a successful Haunt maze?  Was it enough to throw a loose outer space theme over it, or is the novelty wearing thin?

In our opinion, it's time for a change.  Not that we mean that in a negative way; please understand that there's a huge difference in us feeling that a big change is needed versus us simply thinking a maze or theme must go.

Clowns have long been a part of the Scary Farm, going back to the day of Uncle Ernie's Madhouse in Camp Snoopy.  There's no reason at all why they cannot continue well into the coming years at the Haunt; just how that should be accomplished is anyone's guess.

The space theme is fun - but honestly, kind of a strange twist.  For us, the jury's still out on whether or not it worked.

Perhaps the designers could bring back the whole Carnival of Death type of feel - and keep it heavy on the clowns.  Maybe the theme could go in an entirely different direction and place us in the middle of Clown Hell - the last stop for bad clowns.  The sky's the limit - but one thing is clear... Haunt fans are in love with C3.

Carnival of Carnivorous Clowns is one of the largest mazes in Haunt history - right up there with Blood Bayou.  However, unlike Bayou, C3 has never really seemed to suffer the lack of talent - the worst possible weakness of a big maze.

On the contrary - the talent that worked Clowns this year absolutely kicked ass without letting up.  They were funny, scary and constantly fired up.  We appreciate this awesome enthusiasm and wish to give the crew of Clowns 2004 major props.  Other mazes should take notice - and note - of how well you worked together.

The soundtrack for C3 is varied - although the staples of the maze from years past such as "Manico Depresso" (the "I'm So Happy" song) and "Clowns and Ballerinas" seem to have taken a back seat to other tunes.  At least, they were not being played loud and proud any time we went through the maze.  Some new music would be great - and particularly, some space-like music would have been cool this year to keep the theme flowing throughout the maze.  Certainly, there are enough trippy tunes out there that would have passed for clown space music in some way or another.  Perhaps if this theme is going to be carried on into the 2005 season, those in charge of the soundtrack will look further into this possibility; music can make all the difference in the world.

There's nothing negative at all to say about Carnival of Carnivorous Clowns From Outer Space.  It was a fantastic part of Halloween Haunt this year and was successful through and through.

Our hats are off to the cast and crew of C3.  Ya done good!  Hope to see you crazy clowns next season!

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