The Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Department’s Haunted Swamp event more than tripled its attendance after only one year.
In 2011, about 120 people went through the haunted house and swamp at the College Park Gym. This year, Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Lewis estimates about 400 people attended the event Friday and Saturday.
“It was fabulous, way better than I ever expected,” Lewis said.
He attributes the increase to additional elements, including an expanded haunted house and a fall festival in the College Park Gym. The festival included games, candy, inflatables, and free popcorn and cider.
“I think everybody had a great time,” Lewis said.
Admission was $5, and included the swamp, haunted house and fall festival.
“It was a heck of a bargain for a family to come here,”¿Lewis said.
All proceeds will be used to fund further Parks and Recreation programming.
The haunted swamp included a boat ride at the Parks and Recreation indoor pool, and divers from New Horizons Diving Team volunteered their time to help with the event.
The expanded haunted house was due to the contributions of Winchester residents Thom and Veronica Brown, who volunteered their time and decorations to help with planning.
“They just did a fabulous job,”¿Lewis said.
Parks and Recreation employees hope to host the Halloween event annually.
For more information on Parks and Recreation programs, call 745-0240.
