Friday marks the unofficial start to Halloween as Niles Scream park opens its doors for 49th season

 

NILES, Mich.-- Halloween gets an early start in Niles as Friday was opening night for the Niles Scream Park.

Last year, the park had a record-breaking 52,000 patrons, but manager Aaron Smith said they typically see 40-45,000 patrons a year. This year, he said, he’s hoping for similar attendance numbers.

Over 200 volunteers a night make the thrills and chills possible.

“It’s a rush,” said employee and volunteer Joan Goodrich. “I, personally, want to find out what works for me, the best scare I can give. And then I’ll embellish.”

On opening night, customers arrived in full force for the unofficial start to spooky season.

“I like being scared,” said patron Jacob Hyman, who said he comes back every year for the scares.

And actors worked hard to get ready for their 49^th season, which gives scares for a good cause.

“Probably still #1 over my love for Halloween, it’s the fact that we give so much back to the community, year after year,” Smith said.

Each year, the park donates over $100,000. Since 1996, over $2.2 million has gone right back into the Michiana community.

The season runs through Halloween, and ends the first weekend of November. Tickets can be found here.