Halloween Haunt at Preston Castle

Back in early 2010, I blogged a piece titled, “Preston Castle - Bloodthirst 2: Revenge of the Chupacabras.” It was about a slightly mysterious location in nearby Amador county's town of Ione.

Preston Castle is a California State Historic Landmark. Land for The Castle was purchased in 1890 from Ione Coal & Iron Company. The castle's sandstone was quarried a few miles from Ione. And, the bricks were created at Folsom and San Quentin prisons. The cornerstone was set with pomp and ceremony, in late 1890. The architectural style is described as Romanesque Revival.

The purpose for building the Preston Castle was to accommodate the Preston School of Industry (reform school), in an attempt to rehabilitate juvenile offenders. It closed in 1960 when the school built a new building. The Castle is now empty, with some action being made to restore it.

As a trivia footnote to the Castle's history - it was used as the setting for a 2005 movie flick titled, "Bloodthirst 2: Revenge of the Chupacabras" - written and directed by Sacramento's own news personality, Jonathan Mumm. A friend, Bruce Shaw, played the leading role of Detective Steve Andrews.

With that history now under your belt, I want you to know that beginning tonight, Friday, October 28^th there will be a 3 night run of “Preston Castle Halloween Haunt.” I am certain if you find ghoulish joy in such activities, you will not want to miss this opportunity. More detailed information about the event can be accessed via:

http://www.prestoncastle.com/Halloween.html

Event dates and times follow here:

Friday, October 28, 6:30 pm - 11 pm

Saturday, October 29, 6:30 pm - Midnight (latest entry - 11:30pm)

Sunday, October 30, 6:30 pm - 11 pm

Preston Castle

999 (end of) Palm Drive

Ione, California

This event is promoted as Northern California's only REAL Haunted House! Yet, I can attest to at least one or two others:-) But this one has to be pretty amazing!

Tickets are limited for each night, so order early to make sure you can get in.

Tickets $20 - $10 students