My Dad is in town this weekend from Minnesota. He was telling me about his adventure to a "great" haunted house near the Twin Cities. He said, "and then the chain saw guy came out!!" He said it like it was something new and exciting! This "really scary guy" with a "real chain saw!"

He made it sound as if it were pure genius on the part of the people who run the haunted house.  It took me back to my haunted house experiences.  The first time the guy chased me and the 25 other people in my herd around a hay bail and some fake coffins, I was pretty scared too.  But after years and years of "same old chain saw guy" chasing me and a large group of people down a clearly marked path.. it was not much of a thrill.  In fact, now when I hear the chain saw start, I usually take a moment to check my watch or tie my shoe.

A few years ago, I even helped the guy start his chain saw.  Note to haunted house owners and operators. Retire the chain saw guy. Heck, hang the saw in the trees like the jersey of a retired athlete hangs in an arena. Look at it as "going green." Save the gas for the saw, and use the chain saw "guy" as something else .. maybe strap a hockey mask on his face and give him a plastic ax.