Three spine-chilling stories are intertwined in the attractions offered at Fear Reach Scream Park.
Look out for a man stealing bodies and digging through trash for a cure for his family’s ailments and a mad groundskeeper looking to chase trespassers away with his chainsaw. These characters and more can be found at Fear Reach Scream Park, the event that turns Far Reach Ranch in Tavares into a haunted attraction.
The Halloween event returned for its second year Sept. 28 and runs for six weeks on select nights through Oct. 31.
“Our team has such a great time flipping the farm into a haunted attraction,” said Brennan Hamill, director of operations and business development at Far Reach Ranch. “Everyone really gets into it, and it just feels so spooky around here. Our three signature haunted attractions are back with some exciting additions. I think everyone is also going to love our new and improved Midway with a beer garden, new games and creepy creatures roaming about.”
The space, which usually operates as u-pick berry farm, has added some new scare tactics to keep returning guests engaged and new guests excited. The three haunted attractions include Blood Line Barn, Grimoire Manor and Chainsaw Chase.
“Far Reach’s eerie family is back with new tricks this season,” Brennan Hamill said. “Explore Grimoire Manor, forever changed by Willow’s spell book, brave Blood Line Barn where Old Man Budge’s experiments went awry or dash through the Chainsaw Chase and avoid the wicked groundskeeper.”
Those interested in attending should keep in mind the attractions are designed to be PG-13 and will include strobe lights, fog, loud noises, chainsaws, clowns and more. The actors dressed in costume will not intentionally touch park guests to scare them.
Along with the various scream-inducing activities, guests also have the option to enjoy performances by The Dismembered, a house band fitting the park’s Halloween theme.
“The Dismemebered is our house band and is a crowd favorite,” said Leah Hamill, events and marketing director for the park. “It’s a unique feature that most haunted attractions don’t have.”
For those looking for a less scary experience, there also is a midway area that offers various games and activities, including axe throwing and classic carnival games.
The park, which is recommended for people 13 and up, is a great option for those in need of a weekend activity to do with their children or grandchildren.
“(A guest told me) they enjoyed this more than Halloween Horror Nights, which is crazy, but I think it’s just a totally different experience here,” Leah Hamill said. “(It’s) more intimate, no long lines through the houses and you get a more personalized experience.”
The attraction is open from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 and 31 at 1255 S. Dora Blvd. in Tavares.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
