Diamond Lake Resort is getting ready for a spooktacular October with the opening of Boo Fest this weekend.
The event, which is typically scheduled for both Friday and Saturday each weekend in October, will mainly be on Saturdays this year. Officials said the reason for the change stems from logistical problems encountered by Robby Derrington, the person behind the haunted house. Diamond Lake owners Brian and Janice Smith confirmed the haunted house will not be a part of Boo Fest this year, but said they hope Derrington will be back next year.
“We are trying to get the word out that we won’t have [the haunted house] on Friday nights,” Janice said. “But we hope he will return next year and it will be bigger and better.”
The campground and resort is booked each weekend, but Janice said BooFest is open to the public as well.
“People finally learned to book quicker,” Janice said, adding they do have a waiting list for those that are hoping to stay on one of the weekends.
As the event is held for it’s 14th year, Janice said they expecting large crowds again. She said campers supply the candy for the trick-or-treat through the campground.
Another crowd favorite is the costume contest on the theatre stage. Janice said the contest is divided into age groups, but they also hold a pet costume contest and a group costume contest.
“People go all out,” Smith said. “They range from 0-100 in age.”
Beginning at 11 a.m. each Saturday, Diamond Lake offers games, face and pumpkin painting and lunch. The cost of each is listed on their website.
A bounce house and pony rides are also available during this time.
At 1 p.m., a hay ride takes place. Riders sing songs, listen to stories and check out the campsite and campground decorations.
The costume contest begins at 2:15 p.m., and at 3:30 p.m. it is time for trick-or-treating.
There is also a golf cart decorating contest and at night, a campsite decorating contest.
“The go carts, putt-putt and paddle boats are all available as well,” Smith said.
Diamond Lake is located at 7301 Hobbs Road. Boo Fest runs every Saturday through October.
