Local Haunted House Attraction Opens Before Halloween

By Marie Achkar

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Starting as a small attraction at the New York state fairgrounds, Fright Nights has since been named one of the top-15 best haunted houses in the country. 

While the attraction was still able to open last fall, strict COVID-19 protocols were set into place. Owner Grazi Zazzara said that 60% of haunted houses had to shut down last year, and that Fright Nights was among the 40% that were fortunate enough to stay open. 

“We had had six-foot distancing between each group. I had twelve security people just watching people in line to make sure they social distanced. Everybody had to wear a mask, hand-sanitize–everything was in play last year” he said. 

This fall, business has become more casual as large numbers of people flood the attraction. Fright Nights visitor Shendu Tucker spoke about how the venue has offered an escape from being trapped inside all year. 

“Everybody’s been in the house depressed. It’s good because everybody gets to come out and enjoy themselves, they’re not locked in” he said. 

Fright Nights consists of five different houses that visitors can go through. Some include Penny’s Playhouse, Lady Lamson’s Cursed Voyage, and the Devil Dungeon’s Slide to Hell. 

Fright Nights will be open this Friday and Saturday night from 7 P.M to midnight and Sunday night from 7 P.M to 11 P.M. Visit thefrightnights.com for more information.