Scream Ridge (Walton, KY)
“Hair-Raising Horror in Walton”
By Noah Wullkotte: jollypumpkin@aol.com
When the sun goes down, the nightmare begins at Sugar Ridge Farms. The Cincinnati Circus presents Scream Ridge where creatures of the night have invaded the grounds. Scream Ridge has many roaming characters like a clown on stilts holding large scissors, a murderous pig on stilts and more. Horror movies play on the movie screen and there are various stage acts. A fire performer heats things up as people watch in wonder. A juggler can be seen in front of the Balloon Bust game and there are a variety of rides. The Sugar Shack is where you can get yourself something refreshing to drink like hot cocoa, Apple Cider, beer, wine, soda and more. Have yourself a slice of wood fired pizza at That’s Amore Pizza. They have an actual wood fired oven attached to their trailer which was really unique.
Scream Ridge consists of 3 uniquely different attractions. These are Torture Barn, Carnival of Screams and Killing Fields. The first haunt we toured is called Carnival of Screams. Enter a striped circus tent that’s home to unspeakable horror. This is the longest attraction at Scream Ridge lasting a mere 5 minutes. You’ll meet a playful carnival barker who welcomes you to the circus. You’ll enter a hall of mirrors where you never know which way to go. A room glows in the dark. A wooden maze full of tubes leads the way. At a certain point, you’ll need to crawl your way out of a room. You’ll meet a variety of characters along the way. This includes clowns, jesters and more.
The Killing Fields is a haunted trail that lasts 3 minutes and it’s fun while it lasts. The corn stalks are hiding something sinister. It’s waiting and it’s hungry. A scarecrow with a crow face towers over customers as they walk through this haunted trail. Barrels are filled with flammable liquid. An outhouse features interesting sounds from within. There are various creatures and characters that are ready to pounce.
Torture Barn had the longest line that night and for good reason. It’s the most intense attraction at Scream Ridge It can be somewhat bloody at times, but they don’t over do it with the gore. A girl holds her pet brain in her hand. A woman’s limbs have been severed. Don’t let Abby go as she wanders throughout the haunt. You’ll see her multiple times. A busted pipe releases mist. A pig faced killer wants to put you in jail. The haunt concludes with an intense chainsaw attack. Total tour time was 3 minutes.
(Here’s a collage of photos taken at Scream Ridge.)
The major issue we have with Scream Ridge is that all the attractions are quite short. Once you start enjoying your time inside a haunt, you’re near the exit. Improved acting, lighting, props and set design would help each attraction be more realistic and authentic. Sugar Ridge is an incredible location for a haunted attraction and the roaming characters are great. We were also entertained by the fire performer and juggler. We look forward to seeing how they evolve over time.
General admission is $20 and includes access to the fire pits, music plaza and all three attractions. VIP Admission is $30 and gets you access to the fire pits, music plaza, one free bumper sticker, one free non-alcoholic beverage and a Fast Pass though the haunts. Parking is free. Lights on takes place every Saturday and is open for all ages with candy for the kids.
Length-6 Design-6 Props-6 Acting-6 Scare Effect-6
Final Stab: 6.0
www.screamridge.com