2023 Question and Answer With Farmington Fright Fest

MaineHauntedHouses.com recently sat down with Darlene Patrick of Farmington Fright Fest, to discuss what's new at Farmington Fright Fest for the 2023 Halloween Season!

What's new at Farmington Fright Fest for 2023? Do you have any new rides, attractions, or special features that Haunt Seekers should know about?

We have added House of 1000 Candies! A trip through your childhood fairytales with a nightmare outcome! We have also expanded our very popular Crematorium! Longer, more interactive and professional FX, adding one of the industries TOP designers really brings us to a new level.

What are you most excited about for the 2023 Halloween Season?

We can not wait to give people the scare of their lives! New designs, new scares, new layouts, pretty much new everything. Our reviews from last year were amazing and we took all comments on how to improve to heart. Expanded hours, more port a johns, lighted parking, it's just all growing!

What differentiates Farmington Fright Fest from other local haunts in Maine?

With three pro designed separate haunted attractions, we feel we really are the best value for Halloween entertainment. We design all attractions to be ADA standard wheelchair accessible. Food vendors, oddity vendors, music and more all for one entry ticket, we are always improving and upgrading.

How long has Farmington Fright Fest been in business? Can you tell us a bit more about Farmington Fright Fest's history?

We have over 30 years in the Haunted Attraction industry. While this is our second year as Farmington Fright Fest, we have been entertaining and scaring people up and down the east coast for decades and are so happy to finally settle at home in Maine. 3800 visitors last season alone tell us Maine is ready!

What's your favorite experience since opening Farmington Fright Fest?

While we are rated 13+, we let the parents decide if their kids can handle it. Last season we had a young man under 13 who couldn't bring himself to go inside more than one attraction. After speaking with his Aunt via Facebook, this kid came BACK dressed as our Gravedigger character and rocked it!

How long is a typical haunt experience at Farmington Fright Fest from start to finish?

It is hard to say how long you will spend at the scream park. Some come early and spend hours visiting vendors and going through attractions. Some just can't make it through all three haunts. Plan on 90 min minimum. The average time it takes to see a movie.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how scary would you say Farmington Fright Fest is? Why?

8. We are an 8 on the scale right now and that gives us room to improve each year.

Does Farmington Fright Fest's property have any real haunted history? Do you have a spooky encounter you'd like to share?

Farmington Fairgrounds has been in operation since 1878 on the same grounds. We always have folks sharing their stories with us. The biggest one involves Dr. Wilhelm Reich who believed you could collect an energy he called “orgone”. He claimed it could be collected and used for a variety of properties that ranged from curing cancer to altering the weather. Reich was eventually jailed and several tons of his writings were burned after the Food and Drug Administration launched an investigation after he began marketing orgone accumulators. While debunked, many report seeing 'orbs of light' or energy fields throughout the site.

What inspired you to open up a haunted attraction? What's your favorite part of the business?

WAAAY back I volunteered with a home haunt and had a blast! I made life long friends there, all of us weirdo's and freaks found each other. My favorite part of this all is bringing together people who say they never really fit in with the 'norms' and building a community around our differences. All are welcome to play and learn and scare people. Some come just for that reason, to be with others like them. Some come to work crew and expand their technical skills. Seeing EVERYONE, actors, crew, customers laugh, scream and have a blast is my favorite part.

How has new technology (i.e. animatronics, special props, etc) helped you to enhance Farmington Fright Fest?

While old school has its place, the new technology has really made things easier and more realistic. Lighting, sound, and make up advances help us immerse visitors in the experience, but top notch actors are still and always will be the key to a successful event.

Can Farmington Fright Fest accommodate large groups? How many people can experience Farmington Fright Fest together as a group?

We have had the pleasure of scaring 3800 visitors last season. For the best experience we send through groups on no more than 8 per entry per attraction. No one likes a haunted conga line. We also do group sales, I think last season we had 4 groups of 15+ come!

Does Farmington Fright Fest offer any special deals, discounts, or coupons?

We do! People can follow us on Facebook and instagram for special coupon codes and contests. We will also send out a special code just for people who came in previous seasons so watch your emails!

Anything else you'd like to let us know about Farmington Fright Fest?

We are all about having a great time. You WILL be entertained, you will be scared, you will laugh and if you share a selfie to social media you might get to come back for free! Remember, Don't Scream, They'll Hear You!