50 Years of Frights: Celebrating Knott’s Scary Farm’s 50th Anniversary

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/ --- Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts. Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:
 • Having an impact on the future of ACE • Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences • Developing friendships in a small group • Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE Podcast Volunteer Team  • Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson • Producer: Derek Perry • Editors: Bob Randolph • Show Notes: Liz Tan • Project Manager: Corey Wooten