The Annual Fright Forest “Cirque du So Evil” haunted attraction will open on Friday the 13th in Lebanon at the Boone County 4H Fairgrounds with a circus-themed weekend of scares and enjoyment for all ages.
The attraction, coined “The Gravest Show on Earth,” acts as a fundraiser for multiple causes throughout its runtime of Oct. 13, Oct. 14, Oct. 15, Oct. 20 and Oct. 21. The fundraising begins on Friday with the Freaky Friday Food Drive and Emergency Personnel Night, and Saturday will be dedicated to raising funds for Lane Beard Night where 13% of ticket sales will be donated to offset a local community member’s medical costs.
For those interested in the circus theme and fundraising efforts who scare easily, Scareless Sunday on Oct. 15 will grant community members the experiences of the attraction without the scares as well as a special apprearance from the Peru Amateur Circus. During the day, the circus will perform two shows and offer the community mini workshops.
“Fright Forest has been an annual event for more than 25 years,” said Fright Forest Board Member Tracy Heine. “This year, we are so excited to welcome the Peru Amateur Circus – which puts on an incredible show and fits with our theme this year. I hope people stop by for the frights and the other activities we will have each date.”
The organizers built anticipation for the attraction throughout the month of October by hiding painted Fright Forest rocks around Boone County and surrounding counties that gave the finders free tickets for the attractions. Community members that find the rocks may post them on Facebook for two free tickets.
The Fright Forest will commence on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and continue Oct. 14, Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Scareless Sunday will debut on Oct. 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Fright Forest prides itself on maintaining a handicapped-accessible attraction with a multitude of specialized nights for the community to enjoy. These include:
Oct. 13: FrightDay the 13th: Ticket prices slashed to $13 for adults.
Oct. 14: Lane Beard Night: 13 percent of ticket proceeds will go to help our former volunteer Lane Beard cover medical costs.
Oct. 15: Scareless Sunday: Self-guided, no scare treat trail; Peru Amateur Circus performs and teaches skills; costume contest.
Oct. 20: Freaky Friday Food Drive: $13 entry for anyone donating a non-perishable food item.
Oct. 21: Emergency Personnel Night: $13 admission for Fire, Police and EMT personnel. (ID required)
Tickets for Friday and Saturday night admission are $15 for adults and $8 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Adults enter free on Scareless Sunday, and children will be introduced to the circus for $5.
Tickets are available in advance at frightforest.com or at the door.