‘Scaregrounds’ gives Oaks Amusement Park new Hallowe’en thrills

INCLUDES SCARY FUN VIDEO TOUR | See what’s new at Portland’s ‘haunts’ worth paying for – open now, through Hallowe’en weekend, at Oaks Amusement Park …

Some of the dozens of actors in the 2024 ScareGrounds PDX production at Oaks Amusement Park begin getting into makeup – and into character.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

In October, people looking for the complete “Hallowe’en experience” – including three haunted houses, roaming creepy monsters and fiends, startling special effects, and creepy “sideshows” – have been making their way to Oaks Amusement Park to experience ScareGrounds PDX.

Watch this video preview of what’s happening at this great ‘haunt’ this season, including being taken “backstage” as it begins for the evening:

Located at the north end of their property, near the famous Oaks Roller Rink, ScareGrounds PDX fright-masters from Vendetta Productions have assembled world-class sets, and an unrivaled cast, for their “live haunt” this year.

ScareGrounds PDX Director Stefanie “Lethal” Shahvar interacts with his cast members “backstage” before the haunt hangs up the “open for the evening” sign.

“For 2024, we are excited to unveil our newest attraction: the Forbidden Fortress,” announced ScareGrounds PDX Director Stefanie “Lethal” Shahvar.

“This fantasy-and-medieval-themed haunted house invites you into a cursed castle, where wizards wield dark magic, dragons lurk in the shadows, and ancient curses come to life,” Shahvar promised East Portland News.

The Forbidden Fortress (on the left) is one of the three major attractions at this year’s ScareGrounds PDX.

“Those who dare can venture through the twisted halls of the Forbidden Fortress, and face the dangers that await within its stone walls,” invited (and warned) Shahvar.

This season, a total of 57 cast members are inside, and roaming the grounds outside, of this haunted realm, she warned.

In The Silver Scream haunted attraction, this character isn’t clowning around!

ScareGrounds PDX is carefully planned by the producers, Shahvar said. “During the year, we work to create new themes for the haunted houses and sideshow. Then, we do our casting in mid-August, with several characters in mind – but we are also open to folks bringing their own ‘terrifyingly entertaining characters’ to show off.”

Guests queue up to enter The Silver Scream, where they’ll meet horror characters from the movies.

The two other Main Attractions are:

The Silver Scream – In this decrepit movie palace, some of the most infamous villains of horror cinema are unleashed, erupting directly from the silver screen.

Slayers – Those who enter join the ranks of a secret organization of modern-day monster hunters, confronting unspeakable monstrosities and facing the unknown.

These main attractions are not recommended for children under 13.

In the “Graveyard Shops” area, Jenny Fontana of Morbid Merry-Go-Round shows some of the unusual art that she makes and sells.

Sideshow Attractions this season include:

Graveyard Shops – Discover an array of eerie merchandise and exclusive collectibles, and take the terror home with you. Everybody can use a little terror now and then.

The Complex: Blackout – Guests rely on their instincts to navigate these treacherous halls.

Tales of Hallowe’en Selfie Museum – Capture unforgettable selfies with a haunting twist, among spine-chilling interactive sets and fiendish monsters.

Buried Alive Coffin Ride – Unlike any Oaks Amusement Park attraction, the claustrophobic confines of a real coffin take daring riders on a journey of being, at least briefly, buried alive. No, they don’t leave you there. Really, they don’t.

“A bunch of us drove up from Eugene to be here, and we weren’t disappointed,” exclaimed U of O student Alexis Jacobson. “It’s scary-good fun!”

There’s no better place to take photos than the “Tales of Hallowe’en Selfie Museum”.

All this, and Oaks Amusement Park Rides, too
Tickets may be purchased online for the three main haunted houses. Or upgrade to the “All Access Pass”, which includes Sideshow tickets, and an Oaks Amusement Park ride bracelet.

Family nights are on Sundays; Kids Night is on October 30. (Some of these scares are really not for kids, though, so use your own judgment.)

For more information, including dates, times, and rules – and purchase tickets – go to the official website: CLICK HERE.

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