Halloween just got a bit spookier on Thursday, as a team of Peak Adventures staff and volunteers began construction on its showpiece attraction, the Pirate Ghost Ship Spooktacular.

For the fourth year, the Sacramento State-based organization dares students, faculty and staff and community members to brave a pirate ghost ship and haunted house in the name of festivity. There is also a maze, barnacle climbing wall and cargo net for the adventurous, while children can enjoy a variety of carnival games. New this year is the “Zump,” a miniature zip line in which participants jump off a platform and swing throughout the course. All activities are open for business on 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 30 and 31 at the ropes course behind Yosemite Hall.

Andrea Baker, marketing specialist for Peak Adventures, said while the event isn’t a moneymaker, it’s very special.

“It’s a safe and sober alternative to partying,” Baker said. “It’s a great event.”

Spooktacular also counts on various other campus groups for support. Recreational Sports is helping with carnival games, the UNIQUE program is assisting with marketing, the Army ROTC program is constructing the haunted house and radio station KSSU is playing music. The Hornet athletics department also helped to promote the event during halftime at football games.

“We are trying to create more of a sense of community on campus,” Baker said. “And we try to get a lot of campus collaboration.”

Now that construction has begun, it won’t stop until the early hours of Monday morning. But according to Baker, the hard work is worthwhile.

“This is our big special event,” she said. “Students tend to really look forward to it.”

Ticket prices are $2 for students, $4 for faculty and staff and $5 for the general public and can be purchased at the door. Free parking is available in Parking Structure I. For more information, contact Peak Adventures at (916) 278-6321.

Megan Chuchmach at the [email protected]