By Lori McDonald | The Tribune
Friday the 13th kicks off an extra scary weekend in Seymour.
Jackson County’s scariest haunted house, Fear Fair, will open up tonight and Saturday night for a special Halfway to Halloween event at 800 A Ave. in Freeman Field.
While the official hours for this weekend’s event are 8 p.m. to midnight, it is recommended on Fear Fair’s Facebook page to arrive at 9 p.m. or when it’s dark, as a portion of the show is outdoors.
Brett Hays is the Fear Fair director and is current president of the Haunted Attraction Association.
According to a news release, Fear Fair first opened its doors to the public for the 2001 haunt season. For the first two years, the attraction was housed in the old Shields Junior High School gymnasium at Sixth and Walnut streets in Seymour. In 2003, the show moved to its current location. The building is owned by Fear Fair, allowing them to continuously improve the show.
Heather Ellis, marketing manager for Fear Fair, said a new scene called Ramses’ Wrath was constructed in 2021 and opened last October.
“It is a replica of Egypt with 10-foot carved statues, a water feature, pyramid and many spooky ancient Egyptian gods,” she said.
Shaggy’s Concessions will be there both nights selling food, such as shaved ice, deep fried Oreos, tenderloins and more.
Jeremy Bullard started the business, which is based in Marion County, a couple of years ago and came up with the name because he looks like the Shaggy character from the Scooby-Doo cartoons.
“We supply food for the Fear Fair staff, and last year was our first full year doing that,” Bullard said. “Brett Hays has a building out there for us to use now, so during the haunt season, we will now be part of the haunt.”
General admission tickets to the event are $25 and include entrance to all four attractions: Rockford Riot, Ramses’ Wrath, Leveau’s Curse and Ancient Evil. Slash pass admission is $35 and has at least a 50% less wait time in line. General admission group price (15 or more tickets on same order) is $20 each, and Slash pass group price is $30 each.
Those who would like the extra fear option can ask for a glow stick at the door.
Halfway to Halloween will be the only offseason event at the venue this year. Tickets are available online at fearfair.com/tickets and also will be available onsite at the ticket booth.