Glow for it

Neon Jungle creates a scare-free Halloween alternative

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — It's bright. It's pleasant. It's vividly phosphorescent.

It's the Neon Jungle, and it's the place to glow this Halloween.

"It's an immersive experience somewhat like an art installation that you can see, touch and hear," artist and Neon Jungle creator Sarah Mann said Thursday. "I love immersive art experiences where you can go somewhere and be transported."

Visitors to the Neon Jungle will be captivated by three worlds: jungle, ocean and space. Black lights will illuminate the fall funhouse as guests walk through space to touch the stars and let their imaginations splash through an underwater world.

"We’ll have a coral reef and there will be squishy things," Mann said. "There's a multisensory aspect. You'll be hearing things, you'll be seeing things and you can touch things."

Mann said she dreamed up this alternative Halloween activity to provide something that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy without being scared.

"I like Halloween, I think it's a really fun holiday, but I don't like all the gore," she said. "I don't mind jump-scaring, but I do mind ax murderers and chain saws and bloody faces."

People won't find anything creepy or dark in the Neon Jungle.

"I know teens will love this. It's very Instagrammable," Mann said. "Parents won't be bored. Little kids will be mesmerized without being scared. It will be more wondrous."

The maze is expected to take about seven minutes to get through, although some may linger longer as they snap photos and explore. A maximum of six guests per group is recommended. Warm clothes are also recommended because once through the maze, people will be able to enjoy face painting, food trucks, glowing cotton candy and more outside in the parking lot.

"Show up for more than just the experience," Mann said. "It's going to be like a little mini-fair."

The Neon Jungle will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 1 at Wired2Learn Academy, 1800 N. Highway 41 in Post Falls. All proceeds will benefit Wired2Learn, a school for students with learning disabilities.

Tickets are $5 online at www.w2lfoundation.com or $7 at the door.