Pumpkinferno: From family fun to creepy craziness

Sep 24, 2018


If you haven’t been to Discovery Harbour, this October is the perfect time to experience Pumpkinferno, a unique Penetanguishene attraction. From Thursday to Sunday each week, from 7 to 10 pm, the grounds are transformed by a magical outdoor exhibit, complete with hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins, twinkling lights and music. During the week of October 22nd to October 30th, Pumpkinferno is open every evening from 7 to 10 p.m.

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Last year's pumpkin carvings ranged from Toronto Rock lacrosse players to historic automobiles, cowboy-themed saloons, iconic Canadian carvings like loonies, Mounties and even the Canadian-born cocktail - the Caesar! A giant fire-breathing dragon looms over a hilltop, above a ride topped with jungle animals. On the water, there are more displays, as well as one of Discovery Harbour’s historic ships, under the siege of a storm, boasting thunder and lightning and aptly named the Ghost Ship. This year's displays are sure to amaze too!

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It was my first time at Pumpkinferno and I decided to test my bravery. The great thing about this event is that the scary options are just that... options. I went through the Terror Zone, which for me personally was super scary. The costumed actors lurking at every corner, including one particularly creepy clown, had me running and screaming in terror. This year the Terror Zone has a new mausoleum/crematorium/cemetery theme! Organizers offer an alternative Spooky Trail for the little ones.

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The Coffin Ride returns this year. This virtual reality ride has you lay down in a closed coffin, while the simulator lets you experience being buried alive, trucked off to your resting place, being covered with dirt and eventually impending worms and zombies. Try it if you dare! (I did!!) New this year, the team at Discovery Harbour has added Boson's Brig Escape Room, Dr Hacksnaw Surgeon Demonstrations on select nights, Discovery Harbour ghost stories, more interactive pumpkin displays, and themed areas like Halloween Town, Skeleton Alley and the Haunted Ship.
 
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Pumpkinferno runs from Thursday to Sunday from October 4th to October 21st and daily from October 22nd to October 30th. Admission is $8 per person, with a non-perishable food item - kids 5 & under FREE.