Weekend D |
Pictured is a scene from 13th World Fright Park in Palmer. (PHOTO COURTESY 13TH WORLD)
| THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
It’s
fright month! Inside: Get your scare on at a variety of Western Mass haunts.
D2 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
WEEKEND
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
Above, from left, campfire on a stick by Moolicious; walking tacos with a choice of doritos and beef, crema, lettuce, and pico de gallo by Lola’s, and a pulled pork sandwich by Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue were among the food vendors showcasing their new eats at the Taste of the Arena preview event at the MassMutual Center last week. At right, an OVG Hospitality employee stocks up cubano sandwiches for hungry guests. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTOS)
TASTE B OF THE ARENA
efore dropping the puck on a new season, the MassMutual Center unveiled a new concession menu awaiting hungry hockey fans. The concourse has a fresh new look and concession stands have undergone major renovations, according to
the venue. New and reimagined concession concepts include: • Pressworks, serving specialty paninis alongside classic venue snacks such as popcorn, nachos, pretzels and hot dogs; • Bear’s Smokehouse, featuring authentic smoked barbecue dishes such as brisket and pulled pork, accompanied by sides like mac & cheese, cornbread and coleslaw;
SEE TASTE, PAGE D3
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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
NIGHTCLUBS & OUTINGS
dogs. • Fry & Coop, serving classic venue fare such as crispy fried chicken tenders paired with chips or French fries, as well as mac & cheese bites. • Fan Faves Co., serving an Italian sausage sub along with traditional concession snacks such as nachos, popcorn, candy and pretzels. • Chick-Fil-A, serving signature Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, nuggets and waffle fries, along with the restaurant’s signature mac n’ cheese. • Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza Shop, serving authentic New Haven-style pizzas served by the slice or as whole pies. The expansion to its concession offerings is part of a $93 million investment plan at the MassMutual Center. The Springfield Thunderbirds will host their home opening game against the Laval Rockets on Saturday, Oct. 10. For more information, visit springfield thunderbirds.com.
THURSDAY The Drake: Insun Park & Generals. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst Theodores': Arthur Terembula. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Built for Comfort. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
FRIDAY Delaney House: Double Dose of Dave. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Nick Alex. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores': Christopher Dean Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SATURDAY Delaney House: Floyd Patterson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Tony Dabas. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores': The Love Dogs. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Billy Eagan. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY The Drake: Toth. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
TUESDAY The Drake: Amherst Regional High School Fundraiser: A Beatles Immersive Sing-along. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Springfield Thunderbirds will host their home opening game against the Laval Rockets on Saturday, Oct. 10.
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
SOUTH MOUNTAIN CONCERTS (logo)
• Lola’s, serving Mexican street food such as chips with dip, tacos, walking tacos, elote, chorizo empanadas and churro cookies. • Moolicious, serving a wide variety of ice cream treats such as hard scoops, soft-serve, sundaes, milkshakes and other specialized creations — including its “Campfire on a Stick” which it debuted at The Big E. • Fry-Ology, serving fried comfort food, ranging from chicken tenders and fish and chips to blooming onions and loaded tater tots. • Rival Burger Co., serving classic hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, chili dogs, and hot
PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 3PM TAKÁCS QUARTET VIANO QUARTET Haydn – String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20, No. 2 Janáček – String Quartet No. 1 “The Kreutzer Sonata” Dvořák – Selections from “Cypresses,” B. 152 Mendelssohn – String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 44, No. 2 South Mountain Concert Hall 730 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 Scan for tickets:
Information: southmountainconcerts.org Contact: info@southmountainconcerts.org or 413.442.2106
3224054-01
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub. com or submitted online to www. masslive.com/myevent
At top: Matthew James, of Rock 102, tries out campfire on a stick by Moolicious and gives it his approval during the third annual Taste of the Arena event held at the MassMututal Center prior to Springfield Thunderbirds’ preseason game against the Providence Bruins on Sept. 25. At right: a finishing touch of powdered sugar is sprinkled on top of Nutella-filled dough by Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza Shop. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTOS)
Taste
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | D3
WEEKEND
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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
OCTOBER IS FRIGHT MONTH
13th World scares up new season
Above and at right are scenes from 13th World Fright Park in Palmer. (SUBMITTED PHOTOS)
A
By Keith O’Connor
Special to The Republican
fter a brainstorming session to decide what to call their new “scaretacular” 26 years ago, the three scaremongers behind the Palmer attraction settled on 13th World Fright Park.
“In ‘Alone,’ our newest haunt, we challenge you to test your fears while all alone. You don’t see anyone because we blindfold you.” Zeke Fortier, 13th World Fright Park in Palmer
forth. So, you basically come in and wait in the Midway for us to call your number,” he said. And there is plenty to do in the Midway while you are
structure with its twisted maze of darkness, fog and fire, while clowns in North Pole Nightmare await the brave whose love of Santa is in danger from the menacing maniacs who are inhabiting the South Pole and heading to the North Pole to take over Santa’s Village. “In ‘Alone,’ our newest haunt, we challenge you to test your fears while all alone.
SEE WORLD, PAGE D11
SPRINGFIELDDOWNTOWN.COM
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The scares run Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31, as well as Oct. 22 and 29. Hours vary, with some nights starting as early as 6 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m. or earlier. But you don’t have to wait until the gates open to get your party going on. “Our pre-scare pavilion is a place for people to have “We figured at the time some drinks, get comfortthat our main haunted able, enjoy themselves, meet house would have at least up with their friends, take 13 frights, so we built the name upon that notion,” said photographs with some of Zeke Fortier, one of the three our actors who will be passmasterminds along with Mike ing through and just get the Crawley and Rich Vaillant be- vibe going before you walk hind the original mini-theme through the gates,” Fortier said about the special area park in Rhode Island, which that opens at 5 p.m. on Saturexpanded five years ago to days only. Palmer. To minimize waiting in a “It ended up that there were far more than 13 frights long line to enter the Fright awaiting visitors looking for a Park’s main haunted house attraction — Town of Moongood scare,” he added about light — Fortier explained the Halloween destination, which opens for the season on that guests are provided a Friday with multiple haunted number at the gate. “The first 100 people are attractions, other-worldly monsters, Midway entertain- given the number 1, the second 100 people through the ment, photo opportunities and themed food and drinks. gate get the number 2, and so
waiting. There are three additional haunted houses to get your scare on before the big one — North Pole Nightmare, Hellfire House, and this year’s new addition, Alone. Each takes about 15 minutes to go through compared to the 40 minutes needed to fully experience the Town of Moonlight. At Hellfire House, visitors enter a simulated burning
WEEKEND
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
Holyoke artists add to mountain of talent in Easthampton
E
5K
STRONGER TOGETHER. SAFER TOGETHER.
SUNDAY George Lenker LIVE WIRE
“I’m looking forward to sharing the stage at this unique venue with my dear friend.” Robert LaRoche
LaRoche had a similar sentiment. “I first met Ray at The Nashville on Main Street in our hometown of Holyoke when The Sighs were just starting out in 1982,” he said. “We connected immediately and have retained a close friendship ever since. So I’m looking forward to sharing the stage at this unique venue with my dear friend.” LaRoche, of course, was the singer and songwriter for The Sighs, one of the area’s true
SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D12
OCTOBER 4, 2026
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While Easthampton hosts its annual Porchfest on Oct. 3, there also will be a show at Luthier’s Co-op featuring two Holyoke legends — who also happen to be old friends. Robert LaRoche and Ray Mason will both play sets at the Easthampton venue on Oct. 3. LaRoche, who now lives in Texas, will play in a duo with his friend John Leon on pedal steel guitar, and Mason will be playing with the Lonesome Brothers. Both men are excited to be on the same bill. “Robert playing at Luthier’s is a super treat as he is such a great songwriter and performer on his own. A rare Western Mass. appearance for sure. Can you tell that I’m totally psyched for this gig?” Mason told The Republican last week.
SH ER IF F’ S OF FI CE TH E HA M PD EN CO UN TY NU AL IN VI TE S YO U TO OU R AN
RUN WALK
Singers Robert LaRoche, above, and Ray Mason, at right, will play Luthier’s Co-op on Saturday.
asthampton will showcase a mountain of artistic talent this Saturday, including a landslide of musical acts from Holyoke who will come over the mountain that divides the two cities.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | D5
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D6 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
OCTOBER IS FRIGHT MONTH
Watch out! Above is a scene from a past season of Fear on the Farm at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGET REILLY / FEAR ON THE FARM)
55 Alvord St. in South Hadley, is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October. Fear on the Farm at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGET REILLY / FEAR ON THE FARM) Tickets are available online or onsite beginning at 6:30 p.m. and are $30 general admission. A $55 fast pass to By Keith O’Connor skip to the front of the line is glass of beer or your favorite Special to The Republican wine, as well as nonalcoholic available online only. The attractions open at 7 beverages. McCray’s Country Cray’s Farm in South p.m. and operates until “the Creamery also will be open Hadley is haunted, so and serving ice cream, snacks last rider runs screaming,” according to its website. travel at your own risk. and beverages. Those with Be sure to read the warnings queasy stomachs might want But, if you are one of and disclaimers on fearon to wait until after all the horthe thousands of people rors are finished before eating thefarm.com before leaving or imbibing. home. Among the warnings who have visited the farm in October for the Fear on the Farm, located at note that: “Patrons will expe-
This South Hadley farm is haunted
Mc
rience intense lighting and audio effects, strobes, fog, low visibility, and overall, a physically demanding environment. Do not attend if you are pregnant, claustrophobic, asthmatic, prone to seizures and have respiratory or heart issues.” For more information, visit fearonthefarm.com or call 413-537-3510. While Augusto was encompassed with all the last-minute work to bring Fear on the Farm to life in time, he asked his wife, Briget Reilly, general
SEE FARM, PAGE D11
past 35 years, then you already know about the sinister happenings on the property that take place during Fear on The Farm, which begins for the season on Friday. Since 1991, at the age of 25, Dan Augusto and his “farm family” have combined their talents to build terrifying sets and scenes with ghouls, goblins, ghosts, clowns, grotesque monsters and more, alongside spooky sounds everywhere you turn. In addition to the haunted hayride, which started it all, Fear on the Farm has for many years included two walk-through haunts for brave souls who dare to step foot in DON (Diagnostic, Operations, Nexus) and Massacre Manor. The haunted hayride and two walkthroughs provide an hour’s worth of entertainment — unless you are faint of heart and can’t
take the scares any longer. For a look at some of the horrors awaiting you, visit fearonthefarm.com for a chilling video. Comic book lovers should check out McCray’s Facebook page for a look at unique comic book covers telling the Fear on the Farm story. The covers will be available for purchase as cards along with a special comic book to commemorate your visit. T-shirts bearing the comic book designs will also be available for sale. Before beginning your journey to mayhem, you can party with friends at the Monster Midway where food and drinks await, including kettle corn, mini donuts and a cold
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | D7
OCTOBER IS FRIGHT MONTH
Above and at right are scenes from a past year’s Fright Fest at Six Flags New England. (PHOTOS COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND)
Frights&thrills await at Six Flags
S
By Keith O’Connor
during a night of filming in a graveyard. Unbeknownst to them, they alert the monster inhabitants of the manor. These monsters, which include a mummy, a vampire and a witch, set up a plan to kidnap the two influencers, and add them to the monster nation,” said Gregory Seymour, entertainment
Special to The Republican
season.
ix Flags New England is ready to celebrate the Halloween
SEE FLAGS, PAGE D10
SUMMONING ALL SPIRITS! A scare actor has their makeup done at Six Flags New England Fright Fest. (PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND)
lican. Fright Fest features more than 20 Halloween attractions, including five haunted mazes: Nightmares, Terror Tales, Slasher Circus 3D, Midnight Mansion, and Camp Killamore. Guests can also navigate seven immersive scare zones located throughout Six Flags New England, where monsters emerge from the fog and terrifying creatures roam the streets. In addition to haunted attractions and scare zones, Fright Fest offers a full lineup of live Halloween entertainment, including Midnight
Uprising, The Awakening, and Mort’s Used Coffins. Returning by popular demand, Love at First Fright combines music, comedy and family-friendly fun as a group of social media influencers encounters a cast of mischievous monsters during their quest for viral fame. “Our entertainment team here at Six Flags New England kept the basic plot point but added our own song choices, sets, and subplots. The show is about Katie, an upcoming influencer, and her friend Jack, who stumble upon a haunted manor
Thursday, October 22 6:00-8:30 pm An alluring evening inspired by a time when science and the supernatural intertwined. Ages 21+. Themed attire encouraged. Tarot Readings ◆ Palmistry Harpist & DJ ◆ Silent Auction Complimentary Welcome Cocktail Hors d’oeuvres & much more!
RSVP by October 15 at SpringfieldMuseums.org Preview auction items at Spellbound26.givesmart.com
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Now open on weekends and various days through Nov. 1, Fright Fest debuted at AstroWorld in 1986 before becoming known as Fright Fest and expanding across the Six Flags family of parks in 1991. Bill Falzone, park manager, noted that Fright Fest is one of the most anticipated events of the year for Six Flags. “Summer is always a huge season, but Fright Fest gives guests an entirely different reason to visit the park. What makes Fright Fest so special is that it combines the excitement of a theme park with the atmosphere of Halloween. During the day, families can enjoy Kids Boo Fest, and at night the park transforms into a completely different experience with scare zones, haunted attractions, themed entertainment, and rides in the dark,” he told The Repub-
supervisor. During the show, fright-seekers can see monsters and humans dance and sing to a smattering array of songs such as Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For a Hero” and Oingo Boingo’s “No One Lives Forever” and original inhouse-produced mashups
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CALENDAR THURSDAY 2026 Big E: Thu.-Sun., Eastern States Exposition. Attendees can enjoy hours of free entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England — and beyond — has to offer. Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plaza’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase, North American Midway, as well as countless Ice Cube will help close out educational opportunities from The Big E’s final weekend the Avenue of States to Storrowwhen he plays The Big E Areton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rana on Oct. 3. For a complete ma and more. Gates open 8 a.m.; lists of acts coming to The The Big E Bakery, 9 a.m.-10:30 Big E this weekend, visit the p.m.; buildings and Craft Comfair’s website, thebige.com. mon, 10 a.m.–10p.m.; Avenue of States, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Storrowton Village Museum & Shops, 10 SUNDAY a.m.–9 p.m.; New England Center, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Midway, Sun.– 2026 Big E: See Thursday listing Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. Art in the Orchard 2026: See 10 a.m.–11 p.m., For admission Thursday listing information, visit www.thebige. com. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443. Art in the Orchard 2026: Thu.Sun., Park Hill Orchard. Estimated viewing time might be 2-4 hours. Open all daylight hours from until Thanksgiving weekend. Wear sturdy shoes. 82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton.
FRIDAY Art in the Orchard 2026: See Thursday listing Iron Lung with Dropdead, Innumerable Forms, The Eye: Fri., 8 p.m. The Drake, Doors open at 7 p.m., $20 advance, $25 at the door general admission. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst, or thedrakeamherst.org.
SATURDAY 2026 Big E: See Thursday listing Astronomy Day: Sat., 3 p.m., Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity. Space-themed family activities are free and open to all from 3-5:30 p.m., including hands-on activities in the Space Trailer, 20-minute planetarium programs, and a scratch-built scale model of the International Space Station. Day culminates with a show by Earth Music Theater Live at 7 p.m. for a $10 suggested donation entry cost. Sat., 3 p.m., Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity in Florence, bombyx.live/events/astronomy-day-2026/ Art in the Orchard 2026: See Thursday listing
Quadrangle
Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibits include dinosaurs, African wildlife, interactive STEM labs, Earth’s ecosystems, and immersive planetarium shows. Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: Permanent exhibitions include American and European prints, paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibits include vintage automobiles, Indian motorcycles, historic firearms, Hasbro GameLand, and other industrial and cultural artifacts. Current special exhibition: “Declaration of Innovation: Springfield’s Revolutionary Ideas,” extended through Oct. 25. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibits include immersive, hands-on stations that explore the author’s whimsical characters and stories and childhood influences; and displays of his original studio, art, and family memorabilia. Visit springfieldmuseums.org for more information. Admission (includes all 5 museums) — $27.50 for adults, $18 for seniors and college students, $15 for ages 5-17, free to children under 5, museum members, and Springfield residents. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission is free for all visitors. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, 11 am-5 pm; closed on Mondays.
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
3 great box wines — seriously, I’m not kidding Ken Ross Wine Press
Lena By Maddalena Cabernet Sauvignon ($25 Suggested Retail Price for 1.5 liter box) Region: Paso Robles, California Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting notes: California’s Paso Robles region has long The three boxed wines recommended by columnist Ken Ross. been overshadowed by many other better-known wine (KEN ROSS PHOTO) regions throughout the state. Part of it probably has to That might explain why this VERYTHING’S do with people’s changing more expensive light, delightful wine costs far less than many other Calinowadays — gas, food, wine-drinking habits. First, box wines last longer. fornia Cabernet Sauvignon clothing. After you open a bottle, you And don’t even get me wines. This fruit-forward started on cat food. What’s in generally have to finish the wine has a wonderful, bright, there? Kobe beef? Gold dust? wine within a few days. As for light finish, including hints of box wine, you can drink fresh cherry, plum and blackberry. Endanger species? With many costs constantly wine for about a month after A truly wonderful wine that just happens to come in a box. spiraling higher, I’m sure I’m opening it. Second, box wine takes up not the only one looking for Vignes Des Lumieres creative ways to save money. less space. One small box usu- Cotes Du Rhone Red ($25 I’m always hunting for bar- ally contains four, full bottles SRP for 3 liter box) Region: Cotes Du Rhone, of wine. gains — whether it’s weekly Third, you can have any deals at supermarkets or France nightly specials at my favorite amount you want — whether Grapes: 70 percent Grenit’s a small glass or a massive ache, 30 percent Syrah restaurants. Tasting notes: France’s flagon. The same is true when it This week, I have curatcomes to wine. That’s one of Cotes Du Rhone region has the reasons why I started writ- ed three cartons for your long been one of my favorite places to find affordable, ing this wine column in 2012, wine-drinking experience. to show people you don’t have (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. outstanding wine. It’s the Every stupid thing’s curated to spend a lot of money to reason why I went there on or an experience now.) drink great wine. a wine tasting trip for this Let me add that I’m almost wine column several years Fourteen years later, that embarrassed to call them box ago. Year in and year out, this goal remains the same. wines. However, it’s definitely becorner of southern France What does that even mean? consistently produces amazcome harder over the years to ing wines that often cost less Yes, they come in a box. find great, affordable wines. But they taste exactly the Fortunately, there is a great than $15 or even $10 a bottle. way to consistently find inter- same as any wine that comes This wine’s an absolute steal at $6.25 a bottle since this box in another type of vessel. esting, low-cost wines. It’s like saying I’m drinking contains four bottles of wine. The solution? Box wine. bottled beer or canned beer. Stay with me. I can already This wine has dense, dark, Who cares? feel some of you rolling your delicious flavors, including hints of cherry, blackberry If it tastes great, that’s all eyes. that matters. Sure, there are definitely and dark chocolate. AbsoluteAll three box wines recomdull box wines out there ly wonderful. Shania Monastrell ($18 mended this week are red where the focus remains on SRP for 3 liter box) wine. price instead of quality. But One of the wine’s from Calthat’s not the case anymore. Region: Jumilla, Spain In the past few years, many ifornia. The others are from Grapes: Monastrell Tasting notes: I saved France and Spain. box wines have come a long SEE WINE, PAGE D12 Hope you enjoy. way.
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OCTOBER IS FRIGHT MONTH nothing like it at nighttime,” Mundy added. For little ones who aren’t quite ready to climb aboard a roller coaster, Kids Boo Fest is a daytime event filled with Halloween activities and entertainment including a Trick-or-Treat trail, hay maze, pumpkin patch, crafts, Halloween costume showcase, and other not-so-scary experiences. Additional information, including Fright Fest dates, Kids Boo Fest schedules, tickets and park hours, is available at sixflags.com/newengland/ events. Sydney Snow, regional manager for public relations, answered some additional questions from The Republican about this year’s Fright Fest: Actors put on a show during a past year’s Six Flags Fright Fest. (PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND)
Flags
“For me, the shows are really fun, but my favorite thing about Fright Fest is just going CONTINUES FROM PAGE D7 through some of the mazes, in particular, Midnight Mansion like Ke$ha’s “Die Young” with the Eurythmics’ “Sweet and Camp Killamore which has some pretty cool scenes. Dreams.” “Fright Fest is really one of It’s exciting, fun and, of the most unique times to visit course, spooky,” Mundy said. What also drives their love Six Flags New England. For many families and thrill-seek- for going to amusement parks around the county is their ers, it’s become a fall tradishared fascination of rollertion,” Falzone said. coasters. And it has become a fall Moore founded the Melanin tradition for Martina “Prime” Coaster Network in February Moore from Mobile, Alabama, and Alexander Mundy 2022 by creating a Facebook of Cincinnati, Ohio, who visit group to highlight people of color who are theme park and Six Flags parks throughout roller coaster enthusiasts. the country during the year, With some 2,000 memincluding Six Flags New bers across the country and England. abroad, the rollercoaster club “I enjoy Fright Fest beprovides a sense of commucause of the creativity of the nity where members can get artwork around the park, and everything that goes into together monthly — they call the meetings Primetime Linkit behind the scenes.....the up Events — at theme parks planning and the attention throughout the country (they to details that Six Flags New have a special partnership England puts into the park with Six Flags) and ride and every year for Fright Fest,” talk coasters with like-mindMoore said.
ed folks. Both Moore and Mundy offered their thoughts on how Fright Fest elevates their coaster rides. “The theme park is darkened at night as they turn off more lights than usual. As coaster enthusiasts, we absolutely love a good night ride which makes the coaster scarier, more entertaining and more fun especially on the Wicked Cyclone where you go through 200-degree stalls and multiple zero-G rolls,” Moore said. “I really love riding coasters, specifically during Fright Fest, because your senses are already heightened. You’ve gone through mazes, scare zones, all the scare actors, and the decorations that make the night extremely exciting. There is nothing better to add to all of that than riding on a super-fast coaster. My favorite is Superman. It’s really fast and you go through all these turns and whip around during the ridre. There is
Q.
Why do you think Fright Fest has become such a hit over the years?
A.
I think people love experiences, especially experiences they can share with friends and family. Fright Fest is more than just a haunted house or a walk-through attraction. Guests can spend an entire day here enjoying rides, shows, seasonal food, family activities, and then transition into a completely different atmosphere at night. There’s also something unforgettable about riding a roller coaster in the dark after you’ve just walked through a scare zone. That combination of thrills and Halloween immersion is what has kept Fright Fest a favorite for so many years.
this year, refreshing entertainment, or bringing new characters into the event. We have a lot of guests who come year after year, so it’s important that there is always something new for them to discover. At the same time, we want to preserve the traditions and fan favorites that people look forward to every fall. It’s really about finding that balance between what’s familiar and what’s new.
Q. Carnival of Chaos is a
new Scare Zone for 2026 — what is it all about?
A.
The concept was built around a twisted carnival atmosphere where everything feels a little off and freaky in the best possible way. Guests will encounter eerie performers, unsettling characters, and unexpected scares as they make their way through the area. It’s highly interactive, visually striking, and creates the feeling that you’ve stepped into a creepy carnival that’s gone off the rails.
Q.
What’s on the snack list — boiled eyeballs?
A.
One of the things guests look forward to every year is the limited-time Fright Fest food and drinks. Our culinary team does an incredible job and has a lot of fun leaning into the Halloween theme, so you’ll find treats that are just as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Guests can dig into our Worms in Dirt Funnel Cake topped with Oreo ‘dirt,’ gummy worms, and raspberry ‘blood,’ enjoy Graveyard Pudding crawling with gummy How do you keep Fright worms, or try our spicy ScareFest fresh so people keep acha Strips tossed in sriracha and red pepper flakes. One of coming back? the biggest fan favorites every Our team is always look- year is our themed Blood ing at ways to surprise guests, Bags, including flavors like whether that’s introducing a Zombie Juice, Alien Blood, new haunted attraction, adding Vampire’s Kiss, and Pixie a new scare zone like we did Potion.
Q.
A.
“We have a lot of guests who come year after year, so it’s important that there is always something new for them to discover. At the same time, we want to preserve the traditions and fan favorites that people look forward to every fall.” SYDNEY SNOW, REGIONAL MANAGER FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS, SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND
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OCTOBER IS FRIGHT MONTH The price of admission varies by night. General tickets online range from $29.99 to $39.99. Buying online will save you $5.
Above is a scene from Fear on the Farm at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGETREILLY / FEAR ON THE FARM)
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manager at Fear on the Farm, to answer a few questions from The Republican.
Q. Do you consider Dan an
innovator in today’s Halloween fright industry?
A.
The person who encouraged Dan to take the leap of faith to create a haunted attraction for other Halloween lovers like himself to enjoy was his father. Today he is what I would call one of the old timers in the Halloween industry all of whom at the same time started offering scares for others around this time of year. I don’t think at that time there were what we would call today the modern Halloween attractions. He and others like him were just starting out and continued over time to morph their experiences in different ways like Dan who expanded what was only the haunted hayride into more with haunted houses as well.
Q. Why do you think people keep coming back year after year to Fear on the Farm?
A.
I think we’re at the point where people that were teenagers when we first started are now bringing their children, and maybe even their grandchildren back to see what we’ve got new.
“I think we’re at the point where people that were teenagers when we first started are now bringing their children, and maybe even their grandchildren back to see what we’ve got new.” Briget Reilly, general manager, Fear on the Farm
It’s become a tradition for them and to come to Fear on the Farm during the Halloween season to see the new characters we have, to laugh, to scream and to create memories.
Q. So, what’s new for 2026 at Fear on the Farm?
A.
We have re-themed one major part of our trail, which was once a cemetery, but is no longer there. We’ll leave it to everyone’s imagination when they get on the ride as to what we’ve made it into. And there are new things to see in Clown Town, Wasteland, and Buster’s Big Top. But the biggest thing we have done this year was re-theme at least one-third of Massacre Manor which needed repair. So, when you walk into Massacre Manor, you are going to feel as if you are in an entirely new haunted walkthrough.
Above is a scene from 13th World Fright Park in Palmer. (PHOTO COURTESY 13TH WORLD)
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You don’t see anyone because we blindfold you. Then we place your hands on a rope which guides you to the end, but you cannot take off your blindfold or take your hands off the rope. Those are the rules. It’s a sensory experience without seeing what is around you. You’re not going to be touched by people, it’s more or less objects, textures and stuff challenging your senses,” Fortier said. When your number is finally called, you can enter the Town of Moonlight any time. You will first make a temporary stay at a motel that has been taken over by a family of cannibals who are eating people. The nightmare continues as you enter the Charter School, where clowns are learning how to kill before approaching the Mausoleum and Church, which has been taken over by banished nuns sent away from living in normal society to the middle of the woods. Next on the other-worldly tour is another nefarious family in Victorian Mansion. The journey continues at Swamp House where voodoo and witchcraft have
taken over. Then it is off to the Slaughterhouse, featuring a group of humans who think they are animals with pig faces and other grotesque features. The end finally approaches as you come upon the Gas Station and the RV Park which has been taken over by hillbillies with chain saws. The final turn takes you to the Asylum, where you won’t see too many doctors — that’s because the patients have taken over. Once back on the Midway, there is still plenty to do including Slasher Theater, where there are photo-ops with famous horror icons, photo opportunities with costumed characters, a Buried Alive ride simulator for $5, and various carnival-style games which require the purchase of tokens. Visitor can feed their fear with food — hot dogs, French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, pizza, caramel apples, cider donuts and more — and drink at Jack’s Pumpkin Bar, Casket Café, Six Feet Below Snack Shack. Stop by the Poison Pub to have your drinks in blood bags or in the form of Syringe Shots. You can also indulge in mixed drinks like a Witch’s Brew or Murderita, or a cold
glass of beer or wine. If you are looking for a more immersive haunt experience, for $5 you can get an additional Touch of Fear to enhance your scare experience by allowing the actors to touch you. Patrons receive a special necklace that identifies them as an extreme lover of fear. Anyone electing for the Touch of Fear must be 18 years of age or older and will be required to present a photo ID upon arrival. And, if it is too much for your senses, you can take off the necklace at any time to temper down your frights. Special events during the month include the Bloodbath on Oct. 18 when you might want to wear a poncho with all the “blood” flying around; X-SCREAM on Oct. 25 with even more intense scares than usual; and the Halloween Massacre on Oct. 31, a special end-of-season party night with prizes, tricks and treats when visitors are allowed to arrive in costume. The price of admission varies by night. General tickets online range from $29.99 to $39.99. Buying online will save you $5. For more information, visit 13thworld.com, email 13thfrightpark@gmail.com, or call 508-458-8666.
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any part of the world. That’s why I was over the moon when I recently came across this box wine produced by the same wine producer. This delicious, easy-drinking wine has a wonderful, subtle finish with soft fruit flavors, including hints of cherry, raspberry and caramel. An absolutely delightful wine from an astounding winery. Cheers!
the best for last. One of my favorite Spanish wineries for decades has been Bodegas Juan Gil. While Rioja and other Spanish wine regions often snag all the attention, this family-owned winery in the relatively unknown Spanish wine region of Jumilla consistently produces some of the best Spanish wine in the world. SpecifiWine Press by Ken Ross cally, their El Nido and Clio appears on Masslive.com and in The Republican’s Weekend wines are some of the best red wines I have ever taste in section.
The Lonesome Brothers.
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THE ONE POUND MEATBALL IS BACK!
(BRANDI EDISS PHOTO)
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September through October 1st. Frigo’s mouthwatering homemade 1 pound meatball will be available at both locations.
ww.frigofoods.com 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400
3226122-01
national success stories. The band was signed to a major label and toured the country for years. Mason’s career took a different path, but he has continued to defy time, releasing records and constantly playing live gigs (variously with his Ray Mason Band, the Lonesome Brothers and solo shows) into his 70s. There also will be a third element from Holyoke at Luthier’s: The venue itself was first opened by Holyoke’s Frank Lucchesi, a master luthier known by most local musicians. Lucchesi opened the shop in 2004 with Ron Midget. After Lucchesi unexpectedly passed away in 2007, Steven Baer began volunteering to help keep the place going and in 2008 purchased the business. “Frank was a sweetheart of a guy. I remember him repairing guitars in the basement of where he lived on Pleasant Street in Holyoke. Pretty
sure he did some work on my Silvertone,” Mason said, referring to his trusty 1965 guitar that he still plays today. For this show, LaRoche will play at 7 p.m., followed by the Lonesome Brothers at 8 p.m. Local favorites LeFever will close out the night starting at 9:30 p.m. But that evening concert is only part of what Easthampton is offering for the weekend. Earlier in the day, Porchfest will return for a fourth year with a diverse array of talent playing non-traditional stages throughout the town: the porches of various homes and businesses. The idea grew from an afterparty for the city’s Cultural Chaos a few years back and has now blossomed into an annual event. The shows run from noon to 5 p.m. featuring 65 acts across 25 porches, most of which are in the New City, Maple/Cottage and Mount Tom sections of the city. For a complete list of artists, go online to Easthampton porchfest.com