As the spooky season culminates, the ghosts and ghouls that inhabit the Old Kings County Courthouse have a chance to scare some fun this weekend.
Hanford Parks and Recreation hosts its annual haunted house event at Old Courthouse from Thursday to Sunday from 6-10pm.
“We’re trying to take it up a notch,” says entertainment director Armando da Silva. “The courthouse has a creepy old building vibe and beauty, and we took it up a notch with decor and scare. Everyone loved it last year, so we’ll do it again until they tell us to stop.”
The haunted house incident started in the Civic Auditorium a few years ago, then moved to the courthouse last year. About 1,600 thrill-seekers attended in 2021, and Da Silva expects that number to rise to about 2,000 this year.
For a $5 admission fee, visitors will be guided through the courthouse, or at least a version of a haunted maze filled with ghosts, ghouls and cannibals played by Parks and Rec staff and volunteers.
This year’s theme is that the courthouse has been transformed into a creepy funeral home.
“We have zombies, we have ghosts, we have creepy dead people,” entertainment leader Raquel Perez said.
Planning for the haunted maze began about two months ago, with construction beginning on the courthouse in early October. The team worked about four hours a day to make the project as scary as possible before opening night.
Da Silva said the attraction’s recommended age is 10 and older, but younger thrill seekers won’t be turned away. Those wishing to lessen their fears can show up sooner, as the haunting is less terrifying when daylight is still streaming in through the courthouse windows, Perez said.
However, tourists can also be panicked that is not included in the ticket price.
Both Perez and Da Silva said they noticed creepy things while working in the long-rumored haunted building.
“Some of the animatronics have disappeared on their own while I was working,” Da Silva said. “I don’t know if this is paranormal.”
“We also hear the elevator doors opening when no one is there,” Perez said. “We just pretended it didn’t happen.”
Vendors and outdoor kids activities will also take place in the courtyard during haunted house hours.
The attraction will be soft opening on the last Thursday of the season during the night market, which is also Halloween-themed.
The Old Courthouse is located at 113 Court Street, Hanford. For more information, please call 559-585-2525.
