Fright Nights returns to South Florida Fairgrounds with 4 haunted houses, scare zones, more

Getting costumed up and collecting candy isn't enough to check your boxes for Halloween wishes? Maybe you're seeking an adrenaline pumping, fight-or-flight-response-inducing evening? Then get to Fright Nights for a heaping helping of terror.

Now in its 21st year at the South Florida Fairgrounds, Fright Nights is ready to pile your plate high and set the standard in Halloween horror.

This year, the experience will feature four haunts for 2023, including "Jed's Chop Shop," the "Hockley House," "Dead of Winter: Chapter 2" and "Cutting Edge."

"Jed's Chop Shop" is sort of sequel to last year's "Country Bill's" haunt. No one knows for sure how old Bill Mosely fell into the meat grinder. Was he pushed? Maybe he was forced in kicking and screaming? Either way, it's all good because Bill's most loyal butcher, Jedidiah has taken over management and this hillbilly cannibal is handy with the cleaver. The new sign reads "Same recipe, New owner." Want to be on the menu?

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"Hockley House" features a lavish estate, a gifted medium and a séance — what could go wrong? Everything in a big hurry, as more than just friendly ghosts stop by (Think "Conjuring" not "Casper"). Something evil has decided to crash the party and wreak some serious havoc by turning socialites into psychopathic monsters. Couture-clad killers? It's happening and they're probably still on their phones somehow.

"Dead of Winter: Chapter 2" is another sequel from last year. It is a Christmas haunt featuring a less-than-jolly Santa, more than a handful of wicked elves and a now set-loose Krampus. Fright Nights creative director Craig McInnis said this one is so good that fans have told him "you ruined Christmas."

For "Cutting Edge" edge think dystopian future where Tech Co Industries promises a better tomorrow. All they need is you.

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What's better than living through a good scare-filled amusement park? Working in one as a scare actor

Getting a good dose of fright can be fun, but for some there's something even sweeter: dishing it out.

Making others scream in terror and nearly wet themselves (we mean spilled soda, of course) is what many of the over 125 "scare actors" working at Fright Nights absolutely love.

Scare actor Renata Rodrigues said she was a bit of a latecomer to the Halloween horror scene. Originally from Brazil, she said they didn't celebrate the spooky holiday.

Still, Rodrigues said she managed to get a healthy dose of fear and fun throughout childhood — she had several cousins who loved to put on masks and scare her just for the fun of it.

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Rodrigues said she "wanted to feel what it was like to be on the other side" of that fear, and in 2016 she crossed over, so to speak.

Working with her husband, Fright Nights creative director Craig McInnis, her character "Massara" was born.

Using her teenaged self's nickname and employing latex, special contact lenses, dental distortion and even cotton and toilet paper, Rodrigues created the character based on "what I would be scared of most" — "basically, a human being becoming a demon."

A regular since then, Rodrigues works to make "Massara" better every year.

The actors in this world-class Halloween haunt are made over each night by eight makeup artists who work from 4 to 7 p.m. to transform perfectly normal human beings using costumes and "Hollywood tight" makeup, said McInnis. The characters are so realistic he says "you can't deny their existence."

In addition to the four destination haunts, there will be "scare zones", flash mobs (past years have included full "Thriller" performances) and "scare actors" will also mix with guests along the midway.

Need a breather between haunts? Guests can check out the thrill rides, a full midway of food, an arcade, beverages and a Fright Nights gift shop.

Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds

What: Fright Nights

Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, Agriplex, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Thursdays Oct. 12, 19, 26; 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 28

Cost: see website for prices

Information: myfrightnights.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He has lived in the West Palm Beach area for more than 30 years and, from mild to wild, will cover noteworthy community happenings. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Halloween season lures Fright Nights to West Palm Beach