Screams of terror will be heard coming from ODAS Park again this Halloween season.
The Severn Slaughterhouse haunted attraction is returning to ODAS Park (4461 Fairgrounds Rd, Orillia) for 11 nights, from Oct. 19 to 29, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
ODAS Park general manager Erin Abbott says the venue has made an investment of about $70,000 into the attraction. It hires Northern Screams Attractions to build the haunt each year.
“It went really well last year,” she said. “We will be doing it for years.”
She says people love to be scared, especially at Halloween.
“We do just that, and people have a great time,” she said. “We had lots of people say they will be back last year and we are excited to see them again.”
This year, visitors can expect a different experience.
“The floor plan inside will be different,” Abbott said. “There will be different attractions and scares inside, along with the haunted demo derby outside to link with our fair.”
She hopes the Severn Slaughterhouse will become a Halloween tradition for families.
“I haven’t heard of any other haunted houses of this nature in the area,” she said. “Hopefully, we can fulfil that void locally.”
Tickets for the Severn Slaughterhouse cost $15 and can be purchased here.
From 7 to 7:30 p.m. each evening, there will be a family-friendly version of the attraction.
“We can turn on some of the lights, and the actors know to either calm down a lot or to not scare at all,” Abbott explained. “Whatever someone needs coming in at that time is what we will do.”
The Severn Slaughterhouse needs about 25 volunteers for each night of the event this year.
“It’s a good way for high school students to get their community service hours because we are a non-profit organization,” Abbott said. “It’s a good event to volunteer at for anyone of any age. It’s a night out doing something fun.”
Those interested in volunteering can inquire here.
The Halloween season at ODAS Park will wrap up with a dance featuring DJ Scott Stanton on Oct. 28. There will be best costume prizes and free overnight parking. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased here. All proceeds from the dance will go toward the Orillia and District Agricultural Society.
“People should dress up and come have fun with us,” Abbott said.
