Rocio Romero, Spring 2009 News Editor
Halloween this year at the Pierce College Farm Center is back featuring the FrightFair Scream Park with three new thrilling attractions including the Factory of Nightmares Haunted House, Creatures of the Corn Haunted Trail and Get Lost in the Corn Maze.
FrightFair has been operating for the past 11 years. The love and passion for haunted houses inspired owner Cathy McBroom to run this business with husband Robert McBroom.
“Mixing entertainment, doing field trips for the kids and changing 30 percent of the show to spice things up” contribute to the farm’s rapid growth over the years, she said. The farm, which is located in the corner of Victory Boulevard and De Soto Avenue, is popular not only for its eerie after-dark attractions but also the numerous activities to participate in.
Every year there is a different theme for those who visit the creepy corn maze. Last year’s maze had the shape of the American Indian to match a tribal theme. Since this year is an election year, visitors will adventure through a corn maze with the shape of the American Eagle and a message that says, “Grow Your Vote”.
The farm will be a place where you can “get your children educated on making their opinion count by voting,” McBroom added.
For those who want to experience the Halloween essence, the Halloween Harvest Festival is another option. The festival is open every day beginning tomorrow through Nov. 2, featuring “Spookley” the Square Pumpkin, a live onstage show where they harvest your own pumpkin.
In addition, scary character auditions are currently happening right now. For those interested in auditioning, a ghostly appearance is not necessary but McBroom said they are looking for “somebody who can move, act out a part, use imagination and give these people a good scare.”
Tickets cost $12 and are available online or at the door. Hours of operation on weekdays are from dusk to 10 p.m. and weekends from dusk to midnight.
John Lind and Dustin Cordoba work on pieces that will be used in the construction of this year’s haunted house at Pierce College Sept. 16. ()