Something wicked brews in Pembroke: Haunted Forest serves up Halloween scares

Wayward carnival performers set up camp off Lawrence Church Road in Pembroke, Georgia, many moons ago. The next morning, the camp remained and there was no sign of the performers. Over time, the forest covered over the camp, but some locals say that on cool, misty nights the missing performers can be heard gathering among the trees.

So goes the story on Wicked South Productions’ website. The organization began its third year of haunted forest frights on Oct. 6. According to co-owner Tom McCormick, this year marks Wicked South’s eighth in operation. Prior to its current location, Wicked South held Halloween haunts in Garden City and Savannah.

“We were at the Banana’s ballpark [Grayson Stadium]. We were in Rincon at a farm doing a corn maze. We did Lot 13 Haunted House on West Jones Street.” Settling in at 3001 Lawrence Church Road in 2019 has allowed McCormick and his crew to focus more energy on unique builds rather than set-ups and breakdowns. “Now we just get to build and make it bigger and better every year.”

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Unique antiques and props from 'Fear the Walking Dead' add to the eeriness

In addition to a new souvenir shed, Wicked South boasts a new front house. “We put up a carport where we got a really cool surprise in there,” he said.

McCormick also collects antiques. Through his many connections in the Savannah area, the production has acquired unique pieces. An old department store display features dolls originally from New Jersey and Pennsylvania he procured through Re:Purpose Savannah. Rusted tractor wheels from Kentucky can be found throughout the haunt. Countless boards and a few vintage fireplaces beyond repair ― but perfect for a scare ― came from Picker Joe’s. A drill press came courtesy of the television show, “Fear the Walking Dead.” Two of his most favorite pieces are a Coca Cola sign from the 1930s (or only what remains of it) and a WWI era quick-closing crypt. “Basically, they stored dead people in there during transport,” he said. “It has a big crank handle. On the inside, though. It's got a release. Just in case.”

His relationship with prop teams from “Fear the Walking Dead” helped garner even bigger oddities. The carnival equipment used in the series was a big gain for Wicked South, most notably the Ferris wheel and the ball pit. He pointed to a large white object along a tree line of the check-in area. “That’s supposed to be a satellite. It's actually the nose of an airplane that was used for the show.”

Walking through the front house Egyptian doors circa 1800s, then hurrying through the woods and the abandoned carnival equipment takes roughly 30 minutes. McCormick and co-owner Emeka Nwokeji said that sometimes people do get a bit too worked up and bail on the trail.

“Some people retreat,” Nwokeji said. “Some people move faster because they're scared. Other people slow down.”

Nwokeji attributes people’s desire to be scared to “the adrenaline rush of not knowing what's in there.” And people are out in the woods in the dark. The owners know they have pulled it all off based on people’s reactions. “And then getting those good reviews obviously,” Nwokeji said. Facebook, Instagram and Google responses not only spread the word, but provide useful feedback about what Wicked South has done well and what it can make better.

Family-friendly jumps and thrills

McCormick and Nwokeji noted that diehard Halloween fans, particularly fans of haunts, come out on opening weekend. Ticket prices are lower and there is not as much of a crowd. Wicked South has online ordering, which they recommended folks use because people can secure timeslots.

McCormick, who has been in the haunt business for some time, said most events’ attendees range in age from 15 to 30, but “we literally gets all ages out here.” Jump scares abound but there is ample time for people to catch their breath between the main features as patrons stroll through the dimly lit woods. McCormick and Nwokeji want to keep their production family-focused not only in scares but in costs.

“Our prices are extremely competitive,” McCormick said. The first two Friday’s tickets were $10. This past weekend’s tickets were $15 when purchased online, but $20 at the gate. As Halloween approaches, haunt enthusiasts can expect to pay a premium due to demand. Wicked South’s goal is 600 people a night, and they get very close to that amount during the final weekend, which will be Oct. 27 and 28. Doors open at 8 p.m.

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More scares ahead

Wicked South is considering expanding its Halloween offerings in 2024 given that it is a leap year. “That'll allow us to be open Thursday the 31st, Friday, Nov. 1, Saturday, Nov. 2 next year.”

The organization offers more than Halloween scares, though. The crew is planning to add a Bloody Valentine experience on Feb. 10. “It’s a date-night thing,” McCormick said. They will host a Friday the 13th event next December. “We're going to do our first ever scary Christmas.”

All those extra frights may require additional actors and craftsmen. Wicked South’s team consists of about 50 people. For those interested in being a part of the team that builds sets or terrorizes attendees, reach out to wickedsouthproductions@gmail.com.

McCormick advised that people should not wait till October to express interest. “You definitely can join our team. But talk to me in January.” While he appreciates people’s enthusiasm, Wicked South requires everyone to go through safety training. Employees learn everything from no smoking rules to fire extinguisher usage.

“And we do what's called scare-attack-and-retreat,” he said. Scare-attack-and-retreat refers to an actor performing an advancing scare tactic, like jumping out from behind a corner, and then backing off so as to not cause any actual harm.

Savannah folks looking for that adrenaline rush this coming weekend should be sure to book ahead. Also, plan on giving yourself some extra time:Wicked South is nearly an hour's drive from Savannah proper.

Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at jschwartzburt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: savannah area haunted forest offers halloween fright fest