2024 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 2024 Halloween Season!

What's new at Farmington Fright Fest for 2024? Do you have any new rides, attractions, or special features that Haunt Seekers should know about?

Oh, we have new sights to show you, We are adding a last-ride coffin ride, new props, and completely new house designs We are also sponsoring a state-wide decorating challenge for Maine residents, businesses, and organizations with trophies and prizes.

What are you most excited about for the 2024 Halloween Season?

We are supporting the Irreverent Warriors this year! It is a non-profit dedicated to helping prevent veteran suicide.

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

We are standard wheelchair accessible, offer three separate Haunted Attractions, vendors, food trucks, free parking and so much more!

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

With 30+ years of experience at other Haunts, we decided in 2021 to start our own here at home in Maine. One of our core beliefs is that we exist to bring together those who may not HAVE a community and give them a place where they can be themselves and find purpose

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

Oh gosh, there are so many! I guess hearing some of our folks talking and laughing together, making plans to do things in the off-season and saying how they finally have a place to be

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

It depends on how fast you run! Excluding the wait to get in, each house has it's own unique layout, plus there are so many cool vendors and food to try that we have folks who stay for a few hours just enjoying a fall night out.

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

Well, we are technically rated for 13+ so we are more on the adult side of fright, but we have super brave kiddos who get so into it too. Every year the goal is to collect more screams!

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

Well, we are very near Salem Maine, where the book and movie Salem's Lot was based, as well as our own spirit Edith, The legend goes that in the 1920s, Edith had a rough breakup and became so depressed that she hung herself in UMF's Mallett Hall’s dumbwaiter shaft. Ever since students claim Edith haunts the residence halls and she tends to visit the fairgrounds where we are less than a half mile away. Mostly we see a lot of glowing orbs or energy balls on the fairgrounds.

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

Well, the entertainment, the community we build, the screams, it just all is so much fun

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

We bring old school and new school together here. The fairgrounds are very old, so infrastructure, while they always try to upgrade, can be tricky. We have been able to use solar where it works best and of course pneumatics too!

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

We love group visits! We offer discounts for groups of 15 or more, and those would be broken down into groups of 6. We really like to keep our groups small so everyone has a chance to experience the best way possible.

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

We sure do! Group discounts, coupon codes, kid tickets...its all available on our website!

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

Join us! Come find a community where you can be yourself, come get scared, come help support our veterans, come on over and have a blast!