Come October, lots of people like a good scare and haunted houses and other attractions pop up to fill the need.
Before determining your destination it's best to assess your fright comfort zone. Is a warty witch bent over a steaming cauldron your idea of Halloween fun? Check out kid and family-friendly events like the fourth annual Trick r Trunk in Asotin or the Haunted Hayride at Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston. Do you like to be surrounded by zombies, clowns and other insane or bizarre creatures whose sole desire is to make you scream? Take a trip to Haunted Palouse or Scarywood. Want to be zipped into a body bag and dragged off into the night? Believe it or not, some people do. If you’re one of them, you can plan a disturbing vacation to one of the nation’s scariest haunted houses that cater to adult audiences and involve waivers, extreme physical contact and graphic, realistic scenes. Among the most infamous: McKamey Manor in San Diego, is billed as an “aggressive” eight-hour tour where visitors live out their own horror movie; and Freakling Bros. Horror Shows in Las Vegas that offers, among other things, a “victim experience.” Pacemakers are not allowed.
Looking for a local scare? Here’s what’s happening this weekend:
Fourth annual Trick r Trunk 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Asotin County Fairgrounds, Asotin
A free event for kids with a haunted house, costume contest, pumpkin derby, food concessions, obstacle course, fish pond and candy. Church groups, clubs, businesses, organizations and parents are invited to bring a vehicle and pass out goodies. Electricity is available to plug lights into. Those interested can contact Peggy Hansford at (208) 791-1451 or email hansfordpeggy@yahoo.com.
Hells Gate State Park’s annual Haunted Hayride 7 p.m. Saturday, Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston
This all-ages, family-friendly hayride through the park makes stops at spooky sites. Gates open at 6 p.m. with hayrides beginning shortly after that. In addition to the hayride, there will be music, a campfire, hot cocoa and other refreshments for sale in the day-use area. Cost is $2 for the hayride. There is a $5 vehicle entry fee to the park.
The 15th annual Haunted Palouse 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Oct. 28-29, Palouse
The town of Palouse will be spectral and ghastly the next two weekends for the 15th annual Haunted Palouse open to those ages 12 and older.
Freaky food vendors will sell cider potions, hairy scary hamburgers and sickly sweet treats on the street while people tour two haunted buildings, the Newspaper and Printing Museum and the Old City Fire Station. For those who want to get away, there’s a Haunted Hay Ride.
Tickets are $20 and sales close at 10 p.m. each night. For groups of 20 or more there is a 20 percent discount for tickets sold in a bundle with prior arrangements by calling (509) 595-1129. The event benefits a variety of community projects and groups.
Lewiston Scaregrounds 2016 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Lewiston Roundup Grounds
Witches, zombies and clowns will haunt Lewiston Scaregrounds 2016 at the Lewiston Roundup Grounds. This is the second year for the all-ages event that features a carnival and haunted tour. An indoor midway will have carnival games, live music, food vendors, tarot readings and a beer garden. Actors from the Lewiston Civic Theatre will perform in the tour, which will take place in a giant tent and include multiple scenes, according to promoter Joe Gingerella.
A portion of proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Lewiston Civic Theatre’s building fund. Tickets are $15 in advance for adults or $20 at the gate. Tickets are $10 for children ages 10 and younger. Advance tickets are available online at lewistonroundup.com. The theater is selling family passes for four for $100, which includes two trips through the haunt and eight carnival game tickets. Family passes can be purchased by contacting the theater at (208) 746-3401.
Camping passes are also available for $100 for a tent site and four tickets. They can be reserved by calling Gingerella at (253) 678-3593.
The event takes place rain or shine.
Scarywood Theme Park Haunted Nights Today through Saturday and Oct. 27-29, Athol, Idaho
Creatures lurk in a haunted northern Idaho amusement park during the month of October. You can plunge through the darkness on the park’s rides and visit a dozen haunted attractions and scare zones like Clown Town and the Dollhouse. The event was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Halloween’s Scariest Thrills.” It is not recommended for ages 12 and younger. Hours are 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 29. Tickets are $26-$40 and available online at scarywoodhaunt.com.
