They put the Fright in Fright Nights
Meet the proud family of freaks who turn the South Florida Fairgrounds into a creepy neighborhood of haunted houses
THERE’S A LAWYER, an armored truck courier and a Starbucks barista; a first-grader, a fashion model and a firefighter; a Chipotle cook, an English teacher and a lifeguard; a Marriott marketing rep, a few moms with daughters, and lots and lots of makeup artists.
They’re all part of a proud extended “family of freaks” who start filing in just before 4 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October, eager to spend the next eight hours in bloody makeup, campy costumes and mischievous spirit.
They’re the “scarers,’’ “haunters” and “scareacters” — to borrow their lingo — who put the fright into Fright Nights, the annual Halloween attraction celebrating its 20th year at the South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach.
And they’re just dying to frighten the bejeebers out of you!
Click this link to read more about what goes on behind the scenes to make Fright Nights a frighteningly fun place to visit.
Be sure to check out the photo gallery at the end of the story.
Full disclosure: This story was published last year on ByJoeCapozzi.com for the 20th anniversary of Fright Nights. But aside from a few new faces, and some new haunts and features, Fright Nights 2023 is put on by the same extended family of freaks, said Craig McInnis, the creative director at Fright Nights, where he doubles as “Eggman” the creepy clown.
Peaches & Scream
McInnis is a busy guy this Halloween season. He has a studio at The Peach, the West Palm Beach arts collective, where plans are underway for a new Halloween experience called Peaches & Scream Oct. 26-31 from 6-10 p.m..
“Each date will feature haunted experiences from weird and dark to scary. All 6 studios and our main gallery will be part of the walking tour,’’ he said.
Select dates will include costume contests for kids, pets and adults.
A live drum circle is set under a hunters moon Oct. 28 along with a lineup of live music.
Check back later at The Peach website for more information on exact details and times.