Howl-O-Scream PREVIEW edition

Greetings all.  I've just been to Busch Gardens and taken a few photos.  These will serve as "before" photos.  When Howl-O-Scream opens I will return to get the "after" photos.
I did notice a little pre-Halloween Howl-O-Scream action however, which I have posted below.  I did not get a picture of the Venetian Masks for Halloween, a preview selection of which were available in Italy.
It was ball-sweatingly hot at BG today.  The lengths I go to for your happiness...

When you first enter the park you are in this quaint English village.  The clock is unassuming during the Summer season.

The market square in England

The bridge into the Ireland section called Killarney

Another shot of Killarney, after entering through the bridge gate

The stage in Killarney.  This is where Jack appeared last year and will do so again this year, presumably.

The streets of France.

The entrance to Aquitane (France)

This empty space is behind a closed store.  The store sold pearls and jewelry, but closed after the Fall season of 2010.  BG built walls over the doors and now there stands this empty concrete slab.  I suspect something interesting will be put there for Howl-O-Scream 2011.

The New France (Canada) section, which was werewolf territory last year.

In this pic your (cough) humble narrator is feeding his shark a nice piece of brisket.

The ever beguiling Frau Punkinstein with a Bud Lime beer and a big kosher pickle (we had our luncheon at the Trapper Smokehouse in New France)

Ahhh Bear!  Ahhhh a camera!!  Ahhhh TOURIST BEAR!!!

The wonders of Italy; nice columns

A shot down the streets of Italy (witches stalked these streets in 2010)

Pompeii as seen from the train (mummies were present last year)

BG remodeled it's Bavaria section and now calls it Oktoberfest.  The colors (seen above) are brighter and the beer and pretzels more plentiful.

The older Germany section (last year this was full of vampires)

The facade of the Festhaus.  Beer, sausage, cabbage, pizza?

The long stone bridge that crosses over the man-made lake has a series of canopies (shown above) that reflect the park themes, such as Military Appreciation, or Seasonal Events.  You can see the theme of this year's Howl-O-Scream on this canopy.  The Dark Side of the Gardens.  Look closely and you can see the words on the inside of the canopy.  Each canopy tells a little more of the tale and as you walk you can hear disturbing laughter, singing, and an otherwordly voice, all preparing us for the Howl-O-Scream goodness to come.

Look at the lamppost and you will see vines with roses wrapped around it.  These posts are part of the upcoming Howl-O-Scream decorations.  See below for a detail shot.

This is a close up of one of the lampposts.  Each blooming rose has an eyeball inside, which one can see on the canopy above as well.  I am looking forward to this year's Howl-O-Scream very much.  Frau Punkinstein is also, but she is totally freaked out by eyeballs, so this promises to be a most interesting year at BG's Halloween event.  I will have more info as soon BG releases it.

Until next time, keep your pumpkins lit.