The end of summer means one thing for theme park enthusiasts: Halloween! 

Many parks bring out their best theming and scares this time of year; Knott’s Berry Farm has been leading the way since 1973, when local personality Larry Vincent brought his Sinister Seymour character to the park for an appearance that started a trend.

That first year, Scary Farm was three nights long, it included scare actors in the Calico Mine Ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride and the now-defunct Haunted Shack. Since then, the event has grown to include numerous scare zones and mazes, plus extensive spooky theming throughout the park.

This extended episode takes a close look at today’s Scary Farm. Co-host Jessica Gardner meets Ken Parks, Corporate Director of Creative Development at Cedar Fair. She also talks with Owner and Creative Director of Plague Productions John Cooke.

This jam-packed episode continues with Ted Dougherty, author of The History of Knott’s Scary Farm and writer/director for Plague Productions. Next up is Chris Do, a Knott’s Scary Farm producer. Our last interview is KC Gussler, Show Director of Music, Monsters and Mayhem.

In this episode:

•[9:40] Ken Park’s advice for anyone who dreams of working in theme parks: Get your hands into as many pots as possible, be pleasant to work with, complete your tasks.

•[16:07] Planning for Knott’s Scary Farm’s 50th anniversary celebration

•[36:00] Newly-rethemed lands across so many Cedar Fair parks

•[38:00] Meet John Cooke, his start as a set carpenter

•[1:10:14] Ted Dougherty, author of The History of Knott’s Scary Farm 

•[1:48:42] Chris Do covers the new-this-year mazes

•[1:54:42] KC Gussler, show director of Music, Monsters and Mayhem

Learn more

www.plagueproductions.com 
plagueproductionsLA 
johnnyxplague

https://www.ultimatehaunt.com/the-book/ (the book is for sale at the Knott’s Marketplace)

Ted Dougherty’s Instagram: ultimatehaunt

Chris Do’s Instagram: heychrisss

Sources

https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/knotts-scary-farm-inspired-halloween-17542070.php

https://www.ocregister.com/2023/08/01/knotts-scary-farm-teases-return-of-the-hanging-for-50th-anniversary-season/

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•Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson

•Producer: Derek Perry

•Editors: Bob Randolph

•Show Notes: Liz Tan

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