THEY're definitely planning a hot time in Hell tomorrow. The day bears the date of 6-6-06, abbreviated as 666 - the number that, according to the Bible's Book of Revelation, signifies the beast, or the antichrist, according to the apocalyptic theories.
And there is not a snowball's chance in Hell that the day will go unnoticed in the unincorporated hamlet that carries the name 100km west of Detroit.
Nobody is more fired up than John Colone, the town's self-styled mayor and owner of a souvenir shop. "I've got '666' T-shirts and mugs. I'm only ordering 666 (of the items) so once they're gone, that's it," said Mr Colone, also known as Odum Plenty. "Everyone who comes will get a letter of authenticity saying you've celebrated June 6, 2006, in Hell."
Most of Mr Colone's wares will sell for $US6.66 ($8.86), including deeds to one square inch of Hell.
Live entertainment and a costume contest are planned. The Gates of Hell should be installed at a children's play area in time for the festivities. "They're 8ft (2.4m) tall and 5ft (1.5m) wide and each gate looks like flames, and when they're closed it's a devil's head," Mr Colone told The Detroit News.
Mike "Smitty" Hickey, owner of the Dam Site Inn, was not sure what kind of clientele would show up on the day. "We're all about having fun here. I don't think we're going to get the cult crowd, the devil-worshippers or anything like that," Mr Hickey said.
| Of course they're all about having fun -- they're Australians ferchrissakes. |
The 666 revelry is just the latest chapter in the town's storied history of publicity stunts, said Jason LeTeff, one of its 72 year-round residents - or, as the mayor calls them, Hellions or Hell-billies. But Mr LeTeff was not particularly enthusiastic. "Here I am living in Hell, taking my kids to church and trying to teach them the right things, and the town is having a 6-6-6 party," he said. |