Hundreds hop to horror haven Haunted Farm for ‘Halfway to Halloween’

Summertime can be scary, too. Just ask Jason Voorhees... or visitors at The Haunted Farm. The scare attraction attracted dozens of guests last weekend for a two day only "Halfway to Halloween" event.

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Summertime can be scary, too. Just ask Jason Voorhees… or visitors at The Haunted Farm. The scare attraction attracted dozens of guests last weekend for a two day only “Halfway to Halloween” event.

What is the Haunted Farm?

The Haunted Farm is a Hendersonville, N.C. haunted house experience renowned for its high production value and variety of scares. The annual attraction is usually open on autumnal weekends from late September to early November, but this year, for the first time ever, the Haunted Farm opened its doors for a “Halfway to Halloween” celebration.

Haunted Farm entrance sign with two pumpkin-headed, skeletal figures on either side, Hendersonville, NC. — Two pumpkin-headed skeletons pose for a photo in front of The Haunted Farm sign.

What is “Halfway to Halloween”?

“Halfway to Halloween” is a Haunted Farm event marking the halfway point between spooky seasons. Halloween is Oct. 31, while “Halfway to Halloween” was held 8-11 p.m., Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at the Haunted Farm.

The event invites visitors to take on the phantasmagoric fun of the Haunted Farm in all its glory while spotlighting a preview of things to come in the fall.

Is the Haunted Farm still scary outside of spooky season?

In short, yes. Absolutely.

Part of the fun of the Haunted Farm is attending with a crowd. The collective dread – and excitement – of those preparing to go through the attraction is contagious. Thanks to the throngs of guests lined up for “Halfway to Halloween,” the Haunted Farm was able to capture some of the infectious energy of its main season, even without the atmospheric chills of October weather and fallen leaves.

Working between seasons, it might be natural for the experience to feel diluted, but the folks behind the fear farm are masters at spooky showmanship. There was palpable production value in every nook and cranny of “Halfway to Halloween.” Even standing in line or waiting in the lobby area contained scary surprises:

A headless horseman galloped into the parking field, complete with a severed head lashed to his saddle.

In the Fast Pass line, a scare actor sporting a long beard, bloody makeup and a fake cattle prod entertained guests with more witty one-liners than the best improv comedian.

Scary clowns sat down at picnic tables and around the campfire for kooky “conversation” and photo opportunities.

Dark horse rearing with rider in a flowing cloak in an open field, trees and a wooden fence in the background

Man with a beard and fake blood on his face, wearing a torn green shirt, in a wooded area with log fences and netting overhead.

Horse and rider galloping across a grassy field; rider wears a dark red cape and brown outfit with a saddle and reins visible.

Inside the attraction, there were a few tantalizing teases for improvements to come. For instance, in the wooded section of the Haunted Farm, – for my money, the scariest part of the whole experience – a dark “noise tunnel” augmented the sound of crunching leaves and wailing wind to spine-tingling success.

When autumn does arrive in Asheville, rest assured that the Haunted Farm has not lost a step in the waiting.

For more about The Haunted Farm, visit www.nchauntedfarm.com.