Investors rescue Dracula theme park project

BUCHAREST, Romania -- A Dracula theme park in the heart of Transylvania has attracted enough investment for the project to go ahead, the Romanian government said Monday.

Tourism Minister Dan Matei Agathon said that by Monday investors had bought $2.9 million worth of stock, more than 60 percent needed by law for the project to proceed.

The park is to be built in the medieval Transylvanian city of Sighisoara -- the hometown of 15th century prince Vlad the Impaler, who inspired novelist Bram Stoker's "Dracula" novel. Vlad earned his nickname because of his penchant for impaling captured Turks and other enemies on stakes.

The park will include amusement rides, a golf course, a Gothic castle wired with spooky effects and a zoo.