BOOS AND BREWS
Head to the livestock barn at the Enumclaw Expo Center for a couple of frightful haunts, some carnival-type games and – for the 21-and-older crowd – refreshments at the Buck Up Bar.
Boos and Brews is a first-time event for the Enumclaw Expo and Events Association, the nonprofit entity charged with running the city-owned grounds.
It was a happy convergence of circumstances that led to the “Boo” portion of the venture, according to Scott Gray, association director. When Terry Clayton was hired to oversee maintenance operations at the Expo Center, he brought a background in designing and building Halloween haunts. At the same time, Gray was looking for something to replace Brewfest, an event that had underperformed.
For a single entry fee, guests can experience two separate haunts, one just a bit spookier than the other. Also on site are a bouncy house, miniature golf, treats and a food vendor. Civic groups are handling the carnival games, available at an extra cost.
The “Brew” element consists of an outdoor beer garden, which includes the showing of an appropriately-scary movie.
Address: 45224 284th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw
Phone: 360-226-3493
Hours: 5 to 11 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28
Cost: $10 (kids younger than 5 are free with a paid adult)
Website: http://www.enumclawexpo.com/
Email: info@enumclawexpo.com
FRIGHT FACTORY
For the second year in a row, The Fright Factory in Buckley was rated “Washington’s Top Haunt” by frightfind.com.
Just a bit east of downtown Buckley, on a spooky parcel of land, visitors will find everything from clowns and ghouls to pitch black mazes.
A longtime fixture in town, this is the second year for the frightful venue in a more rural setting. The move allowed for expansion of the seasonal attraction, along with improved parking for guests.
Like any good haunt, The Fright Factory is not for the faint of heart and is not recommended for young kids.
The venue opened Oct. 13 and will keep a scary schedule through Halloween night. For days and hours of operation, visit the website.
Address: 2000 Collins Rd., Buckley
Phone: 206-419-3217
Cost: $12 (or $11 with a donation of canned food)
Website: www.frightfactory.net
Email: frightfactory@msn.com
MARIS FARMS
With its “Laughs by day, screams by night” theme, this popular venue offers something for all ages.
The operation is family-friendly during daylight hours, with everything from a sprawling pumpkin patch, corn maze and hayrides to rides on a pony or monster truck. Other attractions include ziplines, human foosball, a courtyard filled with kid-size fun and a jumping pillow. Add in a mechanical bull and a barn filled with kittens, goats, rabbits and pigs.
The weekend brings pig and duck races, where guests can bet on their favorites, with all proceeds going to prominent local charities.
At night, the scares begin in the Haunted Woods, where a 35-minute, self-guided walk leads guests through a series of frightening scenarios, inhabited by live characters. For the timid, there’s a nighttime corn maze.
For days and hours of operation, visit the website.
Address: 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy., Buckley
Phone: 253-862-2848
Cost: See website (also for discounts)
Website: www.marisfarms.com
THOMASSON FAMILY FARM
Boasting a bit of “good ol’ family fun,” the Thomasson family annually opens part of their farm to guests, sharing both fun and farm life.
The farm’s Kids Korral offers activities like a bubble table, duck races, the hand milking cow, cattle roping, tractors and tires to climb on, and a chalkboard house. The corn box is always a hit, where kids remove their shoes and climb into a box filled with nine tons of corn. A traditional feature is the hay maze and don’t forget the junior zip lines.
The five-acre corn maze features a different theme each year. This time around, it’s a tribute to first responders.
On weekends, don’t miss laser tag.
The farm also is a destination for those looking to pick a pumpkin.
Thomasson Family Farm is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.
Address: 38223 236th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw
Phone: 360-802-0503
Cost: Various packages available, see website.
Website: www.thomassonfarm.com.
Email: thomassonfamilyfarm.com
FARM FRESH PRODUCE
Visitors to this fall attraction just west of Bonney Lake on state Route 410 will find a “Fall Harvest Festival” with hay rides, playroom for kids, a corn maze and monster truck rides, along with a pumpkin patch.
Address: 24015 SR 410, Buckley
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except 9-5 Sunday)
Phone: 253-862-7786
