The Attractions Group Podcast

🎙️ BEHIND THE SCARE:  Hersheypark Dark Nights — Master Planning, Immersive Design & The Business of Fear   What does it take to turn Sweet Town into a realm of pure terror? In this exclusive episode of The Attractions Group Podcast (Behind the Scare series), host David Detling sits down with two of the key creative and operational masterminds behind Hersheypark Dark Nights: 🎃 Brewer Lister – Managing Director of Immersive Experiences 🕷️ Chris Brown – Director of Planning & Design   Whether you’re a theme park professional, an event manager, a dark ride enthusiast, or a haunt fan, this deep-dive conversation delivers an unmissable look into how Hersheypark concepts, designs, and executes one of the Northeast’s premier fall events while balancing its iconic family-friendly daytime operations.   ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS Welcome to The Attractions Group Podcast & Episode Intro Introducing Brewer Lister & Chris Brown of Hersheypark Professional Backgrounds: From Landscape Architecture & Marketing to Theme Parks History of Fall Events at Hersheypark & the 2004 "Haunted Harvest" Experiment The 2021 Research Tour: Visiting Knott's Berry Farm, Universal, and SeaWorld The Three Rules of Engagement: No blood/guts, no ghosts of Milton Hershey, and no candy violence Executive Vision & Launching Dark Nights in 2022 Partnering with Design Consultants (Epic Entertainment Group & Zeitgeist Design) Evolving to In-House Story Ideation & Long-Term Production Partners (Adirondack Studios & Illuminated Integration) The Annual Timeline: Post-event wrap-ups, March TransWorld purchasing, and summer builds The Day-to-Night Dichotomy: Balancing trick-or-treating with evening thrills Avenue of the Afterlife: Non-scary, high-energy street entertainment Passholder Lights-On Tours and the New "Meet and Shriek" Spotlight on "Kill & Fill": Designing the 1970s service station haunted house rooted in Hershey Estates history Culinary LTOs: Spirits Rooftop Patio, Tasting Passes, and Seasonal King-Size Shakes Favorite Aspects: Hay mazes, fog-soaked midways, and peak park energy The Chain Saw Debate: Finding the perfect spot in Haunted Coal Mine Unscripted Guest Reactions: The clipboard scare actor in the Fallout Zone What's New This Season: House updates and the Reese's Depot of Doom scare zone Christmas Candy Lane & Estate of Evil Holiday Open House Rapid Fire Questions: Coaster favorites, candy preferences, and final thoughts   🌐 Hersheypark OFFICIAL LINKS & SOCIAL MEDIA🎢  Official Website: https://www.hersheypark.com/ Dark Nights Info & Tickets: https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/drinks-dining/dark-nights.php Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hersheypark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hersheypark X (Twitter): https://x.com/hersheypark   🎙️ The Attractions Group Podcast Podcast Website: https://www.attractionsgroup.com/podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AttractionsGroup Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-attractions-group-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/attractionsgroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attractionsgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/attractionsgrp   🏢 The Attractions Group Official Website: https://www.attractionsgroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-attractions-group Consulting & Inquiries: https://www.attractionsgroup.com/contact   🏷️ PODBEAN EPISODE TAGS Hersheypark, Dark Nights, Hersheypark Dark Nights, Brewer Lister, Chris Brown, David Detling, The Attractions Group, The Attractions Group Podcast, Theme Park Design, Theme Park Operations, Theme Park Industry, Immersive Experiences, Haunted House Design, Haunt Operations, Seasonal Events, Halloween Haunt, Hershey PA, Roller Coasters, Theme Park News, IAAPA, Dark Ride Design, Guest Experience, Event Planning, Theme Park Logistics, Hersheypark Halloween

🎃 Holiday World’s Happy Halloween Weekends with Lauren Crosby | Gourd Behind the Scenes In this episode of our 2026 Gourd Behind the Scenes series (recorded September 1st), hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger welcome Lauren Crosby, 4th Generation Owner and Director of Entertainment and Events for Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana! Join us as Lauren shares an insider’s look into what goes into planning, designing, and executing Holiday World’s iconic Happy Halloween Weekends. From seasonal live entertainment and family-friendly event operations to carrying forward a cherished four-generation family park legacy, this is an episode you won't want to miss!   ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:30 – Interview: Lauren Crosby (4th Generation Owner & Director of Entertainment) 05:15 – The Legacy of Holiday World & Family Operations 12:40 – Designing & Executing Happy Halloween Weekends 22:10 – Live Entertainment, Shows, & Seasonal Guest Experience 34:00 – What’s Next for Holiday World & Splashin' Safari 42:15 – Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts   🌐 CONNECT WITH HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN' SAFARI Website: holidayworld.com Facebook: facebook.com/HolidayWorld Instagram: @holidayworld X (Twitter): @HolidayWorld YouTube: @HolidayWorldSplashinSafari   🎙️ CONNECT WITH THE ATTRACTIONS GROUP Website: theattractionsgroup.com Attractions Network: attractions.network LinkedIn: The Attractions Group Facebook: facebook.com/theattractionsgroup   🏷️  #HolidayWorld, #HappyHalloweenWeekends, #GourdBehindTheScenes, #TheAttractionsGroup, #DavidDetling, #CleteReinberger, #LaurenCrosby, #ThemeParkOperations, #AmusementPark, #ThemeParkPodcast, #EntertainmentAndEvents, #SplashinSafari, #HalloweenEvents, #ThemedEntertainment   Holiday World, Splashin Safari, Lauren Crosby, Clete Reinberger, David Detling, The Attractions Group, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Happy Halloween Weekends, Holiday World Halloween, Santa Claus Indiana, Theme Park Operations, Theme Park Podcast, Amusement Park History, Family Theme Park, Halloween Event Planning, Live Entertainment Design, Theme Park Industry Insights, 2026 Haunt Season

🎃🎃 Gourd Behind the Scenes at Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights! 🎃 Experience the ultimate fall family getaway at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this world-renowned autumn celebration combines thrilling theme park adventures, wholesome family entertainment, and breathtaking seasonal beauty without the scary haunts. Experience Autumn Magic at Dollywood When the sun sets over the Smokies, Dollywood transforms into a glowing nighttime wonderland featuring more than 12,000 illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins. Stroll through immersive installations like the towering 40-foot Pumpkin Tree, the whimsical Hoot Owl Hollow, and Dolly’s giant glowing guitar. Explore colorful themed zones like Candy Corn Country and catch energetic family dance parties in Wildwood Grove. By day, immerse yourself in traditional mountain heritage with world-class live entertainment featuring over 700 Southern gospel, country, and bluegrass performances. Watch master artisans in Craftsman's Valley showcase traditional Appalachian crafts, and take on world-class roller coasters—including Big Bear Mountain, Lightning Rod, and the all-new multi-sensory attraction, Nightflight Expedition. Fall Flavors & Family Memories Indulge in seasonal culinary creations with the Harvest Festival Tasting Pass! Satisfy your cravings with fall favorites, including: Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat to a Smoky Mountain cabin or looking for the best kid-friendly Halloween events in East Tennessee, Dollywood offers an unforgettable autumn experience for every generation.   TOPIC TIMESTAMPS: [00:20] Introduction & Welcome [01:04] Nightflight Expedition & Technical Ride Updates Discussion surrounding the opening, guest feedback, wait times, and the technical ride rehearsal phase for Dollywood's $60 million multi-sensory coaster, Nightflight Expedition. [02:10] Honoring Dolly Parton's Legacy & Future Additions Reflecting on Dolly Parton's passing, the emotional impact on the park team, and upcoming tribute projects scheduled for 2027—including a new waterfall near the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Chapel, custom stained-glass windows, a Show Street portal experience, and the "Dream Maker" character in Wildwood Grove. [07:05] Dollywood Culinary Traditions & Cinnamon Bread Highlighting park food favorites, Dolly’s personal culinary requests (such as ribs), her cookbooks, and the enduring popularity of Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread. [08:18] Wes Ramey's Background & Journey to Dollywood Wes shares his early career aspirations in motorsports (including an internship with NASCAR at Bristol Motor Speedway) and how a family visit to Dollywood 14 years ago inspired him to transition into his dream job. [14:35] Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights Overview The arrival of autumn in the Smokies, managing 12,000 real and artificial pumpkins, colossal 1,000-pound pumpkin weigh-offs, donating giant pumpkins to the Knoxville Zoo, and providing a family-friendly, non-scary evening alternative to traditional haunted houses. [18:43] History and Scale of the Fall Festival How the Harvest Festival evolved from a traditional Southern Gospel and crafts event into an internationally recognized fall destination featuring roughly 700 concerts and the launch of Great Pumpkin LumiNights in 2017. [22:53] Regional Tourism & Planning Multi-Day Smoky Mountain Trips Positioning Dollywood within Sevier County, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, and strategizing how guests can experience both the Harvest Festival and the transition into the Christmas season. [26:34] Park Operations & The 5-Day Festival Switchover Behind-the-scenes look at the all-hands-on-deck, Sunday-through-Thursday park closure where teams transition the park from 12,000 pumpkins to 6 million Christmas lights, complete with meticulous architectural lighting details. [34:13] What's New at Great Pumpkin LumiNights New evening dance parties in Wildwood Grove, the apple market near the Dollywood Express Depot, Harvey's Boo Bash, and returning fan favorites like the resident pumpkin carver. [36:01] Fall Food Offerings & Tasting Pass A deep-dive into autumn menus, including fried apple pies, caramel apples, skillet-cooked apples, the Harvest Festival tasting pass, barbecue chicken sweet potato bowls, and specialty drinks. [38:45] Integrating Nightflight Expedition into the Fall Season How Nightflight Expedition’s nighttime storytelling and bioluminescence theme complement the evening atmosphere of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. [42:34] Rapid Fire Questionnaire A lighthearted lightning round covering Wes's favorite season, Lightning Rod vs. Nightflight Expedition, carousels vs. ferris wheels, coffee preferences, pumpkin spice thoughts, favorite Dolly song ("Light of a Clear Blue Morning"), Halloween candy preferences, and summarizing the fall festival in three words ("fall family memories").   #Dollywood #GreatPumpkinLumiNights #DollywoodHarvestFestival #PigeonForge #SmokyMountains #FamilyFriendly #FallInTheSmokies #DollywoodCinnamonBread #VisitPigeonForge #EastTennessee #ThemeParkFun #FallGetaway #SmokyMountainChristmas #TennesseeTravel

Season 6, Episode 14- Gourd Behind the Scenes: Building the Ultimate Fall Tradition with Scott Bengsten How Bengsten’s Pumpkin Farm Scales Fall Family Fun | Gourd Behind the Scenes   Welcome to Gourd Behind the Scenes, a special sub-series from The Attractions Group Podcast where we go behind the curtain of top autumn destinations, agri-entertainment venues, and seasonal events! In this episode, we sit down with Scott Bengsten, owner and operator of Bengsten’s Pumpkin Farm, one of the premier fall family destinations in the Midwest, based in Homer Glen, IL. Scott shares the secrets behind running a high-capacity seasonal operation, expanding family-friendly attractions year after year, and creating unforgettable traditions for hundreds of thousands of guests each autumn. Whether you're an agri-tourism professional, attraction operator, or fall festival enthusiast, this deep dive offers invaluable insights into guest flow, attraction expansion, and seasonal event management.   🎙️ About The Attractions Group Podcast The Attractions Group Podcast delivers executive interviews, industry news, and operational insights across themed entertainment, amusement parks, haunts, and seasonal attractions.   🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Bengstens Pumpkin Farm Website: https://www.pumpkinfarm.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pumpkinfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bengtsonpumpkinfarm/   Join The Attractions Group on Gourd Behind the Scenes as Scott Bengsten reveals how Bengsten’s Pumpkin Farm creates top-tier fall family experiences.   Bengstens Pumpkin Farm, Scott Bengsten, The Attractions Group, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Attractions Group Podcast, Agritourism, Pumpkin Patch Operations, Fall Festival, Agritainment, Theme Park Industry, Seasonal Attractions, Family Entertainment Center, Amusement Industry   #GourdBehindTheScenes #TheAttractionsGroup #BengstensPumpkinFarm #Agritourism #ThemeParkIndustry #FallFestivals #AttractionsPodcast

Season 6, Episode 013- this episode of the Attractions Group Podcast takes us behind the scenes to the insight behind the Lake Compounce Phantom Fall Fest. We welcome Madison Burnes-Baker, Events & Entertainment Manager.   “Play all day... fright all night!” 👻🎃 In this exclusive episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with Madison Burnes-Baker, Events & Entertainment Manager for Lake Compounce, to give you an insider look at the 2026 Phantom Fall Fest! From family-friendly daytime trick-or-treating at the all-new Candy Corn Country to heart-pounding terror after 6 PM, discover what it takes to bring Connecticut’s premier Halloween event to life! 🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: - Behind-the-scenes secrets of designing the haunted houses & scare zones 🧟‍♂️ - What’s NEW for 2026 🎶 - How Lake Compounce balances family fun by day with extreme screams by night 🎃 - Nighttime coaster rides on Boulder Dash, Phobia Phear, and more in the dark! Plus, David takes Madison through another lightning "Rapid-Fire" question round... 🔔 DON'T FORGET TO LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE! Hit the notification bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode of The Attractions Group Podcast!   🌐 Connect with Us & Learn More: Lake Compounce Tickets & Info: https://www.lakecompounce.com/   Lake Compounce Phantom Fall Fest 2026, Madison Burnes-Baker interview, David Detling Attractions Group, Lake Compounce haunted houses, Connecticut Halloween events, Boulder Dash night ride, Phantom Fall Fest behind the scenes, theme park entertainment manager interview, play all day fright all night, amusement park halloween podcast   #LakeCompounce #PhantomFallFest #TheAttractionsGroup #ThemeParkPodcast #Halloween2026 #HauntedHouse #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkNews #BehindTheScenes #CTAttractions

Welcome to another episode of Behind the Scare, brought to you by the Attractions Group Podcast! In this episode, host Clete Reinberger is joined by guest co-host Matthew Miller ("America's Theme Park Technologist") as they dive deep into the world of haunted attractions, themed entertainment, and seasonal event operations. Our featured guest is Jordan Jones from Brimstone Haunt, recognized as Ohio’s premier scarepark located in Wilmington, Ohio.   In this episode, we discuss: The origin story and evolution of Brimstone Haunt in Wilmington, OH. High-level haunt building, scenic design, and creating immersive environments. Recruiting, training, and managing scare actors to deliver unforgettable screams. How modern technology and creative engineering drive today's haunted attractions. What’s on the horizon for Brimstone Haunt and the haunted house industry.   Technical Note: Certain portions of this interview were subject to minor technology issues on the interviewee's end. This episode was edited as best as was available to preserve the valuable insights shared without re-taping the interview altogether. Thank you for your understanding!   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Clete Reinberger & Matthew Miller 02:15 – Guest Spotlight: Jordan Jones (Brimstone Haunt) 06:40 – Overview of Brimstone Haunt in Wilmington, Ohio 12:30 – Haunt Design, Construction & Theme Building 21:10 – Scare Actor Management & Live Operations 28:45 – Haunt Technology Insights with Matthew Miller 36:20 – Future Outlook for Brimstone Haunt & Wrap-Up   🔗 Links & Resources Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCeVe8SiF80 Explore Brimstone Haunt: Wilmington, Ohio’s Premier Scarepark Host Info: Clete Reinberger & Matthew Miller ("America's Theme Park Technologist")   Category & Keywords Categories: Society & Culture | Leisure | Arts / Design Search Keywords: Brimstone Haunt, Behind the Scare, Attractions Group Podcast, Clete Reinberger, Matthew Miller, Jordan Jones, Wilmington Ohio, Ohio haunted houses, haunted attraction industry, haunt building, scare actors, theme park technologist, Halloween podcast, themed entertainment.   Attractions Group Podcast, Behind the Scare, Clete Reinberger, Matthew Miller, Jordan Jones, Brimstone Haunt, Wilmington Ohio haunted houses, Ohio premier scarepark, haunted attraction industry, haunt building and design, theme park technologist, Halloween attractions, haunted hayride Ohio, themed entertainment podcast, scare actor management.   #BrimstoneHaunt #HauntedAttraction #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #Halloween2026 #HauntedHouse #ThemedEntertainment #Scarepark #OhioHaunts

Go Behind the Scenes of The Darkness with Haunt Industry Legend Larry Kirchner! 🎃 Why do some haunted houses terrify millions while others fail to make an impact? In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with industry icon Larry Kirchner, creator of the world-famous The Darkness in St. Louis and owner of HauntWorld. Whether you're a haunt operator looking to scale your attraction or a theme park fan who loves high-level creative design, Larry breaks down what it truly takes to build and maintain an industry-dominating haunt year after year.   📌 In This Episode, We Cover: The history, evolution, and immersive design philosophy behind The Darkness St. Louis. How high-budget animatronics, set dressing, and scare-actor placement create maximum throughput. The business and marketing strategies haunt operators need to succeed in today's industry. Behind-the-scenes insights from the founder of HauntWorld.com.   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome to the Fall 2026 Haunt Series 02:15 – Meet Larry Kirchner: The Father of Modern Haunted Houses 06:40 – The History & Evolution of The Darkness St. Louis 12:30 – High-Tech Animatronics vs. Actor-Driven Scares 18:10 – Designing High-Throughput Attractions Without Losing Immersion 24:50 – Marketing Your Haunt & Building the HauntWorld Empire 31:15 – Future Trends in the Theme Park & Haunted Attraction Industry 38:00 – Key Takeaways for Haunt Owners & Wrap-Up   🔔 Subscribe & Support the Channel If you enjoyed this deep dive, please LIKE, COMMENT your favorite haunt, and SUBSCRIBE to help us bring you more executive-level industry coverage! 🌐 Website: https://www.theattractionsgroup.com 🎙️ Listen on Apple/Spotify: Search The Attractions Group Podcast 📩 Business & Sponsorship Inquiries: [email protected]   #HauntedHouse #TheDarkness #HauntWorld #ThemeParkIndustry #TheAttractionsGroup #HauntIndustry #Halloween2026 #AmusementParks #AttractionDesign

Season 6, Episode 009 of the Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series takes us all the way to Portland, Oregon to the states largest Haunted Attraction: "Scare Grounds PDX at Oaks Park". Flying solo again, David interviews Oaks Park Marketing & Events Director Emily MacKay and Alex Fulmor, Owner of Vendetta Productions (event, film, and audio production company located in the Portland, Oregon area). Season 6, Episode 009 of the Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series takes us all the way to Portland, Oregon to the states largest Haunted Attraction: "Scare Grounds PDX at Oaks Park". Welcome to another episode of the Attractions Group Podcast: Behind the Scare Series! 🎃👻 In this episode, host David Detling sits down with Emily MacKay, Marketing & Events Director at Oaks Amusement Park, and Alex Fulmor, Owner of Vendetta Productions (producers of ScareGrounds PDX), to go behind the scenes of Portland’s ultimate Halloween experience! Discover how a historical 1905 amusement park pivoted during pandemic restrictions to create a nationally recognized drive-thru haunted attraction—and how it evolved into the largest walkthrough scare park in Oregon! From creepy clowns and hillbilly cannibals to signature blood bag cocktails and night rides, learn what it takes to blend historic charm with modern frights. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome: Guests from Oaks Amusement Park [02:09] - Emily MacKay’s 31-Year Journey at Oaks Park: From Competitive Skater to Marketing Director [04:25] - Alex Fulmor’s Background in Technical Theater & Film Set Dressing [05:04] - How Emily & Alex Met on Set and Pitched the ScareGrounds Concept [07:04] - Pioneering Oregon’s First Drive-Thru Haunted House During 2020 [10:53] - Oaks Park’s Historic Legacy: Surviving 120+ Years, Floods, & Two Pandemics [12:35] - The "Scooby-Doo" Vibe: Leveraging Pacific Northwest Weather & Historic Backdrop [14:23] - Balancing the Show: Family-Friendly vs. Peak Haunted Nights [16:29] - Planning and Upgrading Attractions Year-Round [18:26] - Navigating Park Construction & Introducing Expanded "Inside Out" Scare Zones [19:28] - Crowd Favorites: CarnEVIL Clowns, Hillbillies, & Midway Characters [21:16] - Classic Guest Reactions: The "Wet Pants Count" & Actor Tactics [25:49] - Psychological Terror meets Physical Thrills: Rides after Dark [28:34] - Behind-the-Scenes Pre-Shift Rituals & Staff Costume Contests [32:40] - Fall Event Eats & Drinks: The Famous Signature "Blood Bag" Cocktails [35:46] - Rapid-Fire Halloween Q&A Session (Favorite Candies, Monsters, & Rides) [41:00] - Episode Wrap-Up & Final Remarks   🌐 Official Oaks Amusement Park Links & Social Media Website: Oakspark.com ScareGrounds PDX / Haunted Attractions: ScareGroundsPDX.com Facebook: facebook.com/oaksparkpdx Instagram: @oaksparkpdx TikTok: @oaksparkpdx Twitter / X: @oaksparkpdx   Join David Detling on the Attractions Group Podcast: Behind the Scare as he chats with Emily MacKay (Oaks Park) and Alex Fulmor (Vendetta Productions / ScareGrounds PDX) about creating Oregon's premier Halloween scare park at historic Oaks Amusement Park in Portland.   #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScare #OaksPark #OaksAmusementPark #ScareGroundsPDX #VendettaProductions #PortlandOregon #HauntedHouse #ScarePark #AmusementPark #HalloweenEvents #PDXEvents #ThemeParkPodcast #HauntIndustry #PortlandHauntedHouse

🎃 Gourd Behind the Scenes at Kentucky Kingdom's Pumpkins Event! 🎃 In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with Logan Sanderson, Marketing Director at Kentucky Kingdom, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring the annual Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom autumn festival to life!   Discover the incredible logistics, creative vision, and operational magic required to transform Louisville's favorite theme park with thousands of glowing, carved, and giant pumpkin displays each fall season. Plus, get insider details on fall entertainment, family-friendly autumn night glow events, food and beverage treats, and what makes this Herschend Family Entertainment tradition a must-visit fall event in the Midwest! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & EPISODE CHAPTERS [00:00:00] Introduction – Welcome to The Attractions Group Podcast with David Detling [00:01:30] Welcome Logan Sanderson – Marketing Director at Kentucky Kingdom [00:03:15] Behind the Gourd Concept – The evolution of Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom [00:06:45] Logistics & Decor – Sourcing and setting up thousands of real and sculpted pumpkins [00:10:20] Nighttime Glow Experience – Lighting up the park, rides, and giant pumpkin structures [00:14:10] Fall Food, Drinks & Merchandise – Seasonal treats and specialty autumn menus [00:18:00] Family Entertainment & Character Encounters – Live shows and kid-friendly fall fun [00:21:45] Working Under Herschend Family Entertainment – Bringing world-class seasonal events to Louisville [00:24:00] Closing Thoughts & Event Dates – Planning your visit to Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom   Kentucky Kingdom, Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, Logan Sanderson, David Detling, The Attractions Group Podcast, Behind the Scenes, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Louisville KY theme parks, Herschend Family Entertainment, Kentucky Kingdom fall event, autumn festival Louisville, family friendly Halloween events, pumpkin display theme park, Kentucky Kingdom night glow, amusement park podcast, theme park industry interviews, roller coasters autumn, Louisville Kentucky attractions, fall festival Midwest   #KentuckyKingdom #PumpkinsAtKentuckyKingdom #AttractionsGroupPodcast #ThemeParkPodcast #DavidDetling #HerschendFamilyEntertainment #LouisvilleKY #FallFestivals #AmusementPark #GourdBehindTheScenes #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkIndustry

Gourd Behind the Scenes: Six Flags Tricks & Treats & Boo Fest with Natalie Conte | The Attractions Group Podcast Welcome back to another episode of Gourd Behind the Scenes on The Attractions Group Podcast! 🎃👻 In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Conte, Regional Director of Entertainment at Six Flags, to explore how the park chain brings its daytime family-friendly Halloween events to life across its national portfolio. From Tricks and Treats to Boo Fest, Natalie breaks down: - Her journey from park lifeguard to regional director overseeing entertainment across multiple parks. - How Six Flags balances bright, kid-friendly daytime festivities with terrifying nighttime scares during Fright Fest. - The operational logistics of handing out over 5 million pieces of candy each season. - Harmonizing IPs like Looney Tunes and Peanuts under one unified event banner post-merger. - Seasonal food, Oktoberfest offerings, rapid-fire fall questions, and much more! 🎟️ Plan your visit: Head to sixflags.com to check event schedules, trick-or-treat trails, and season pass options for your local park. ⏱️ Timestamps & Topic Chapters [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome Back to Natalie Conte [01:00] - Natalie's Career Journey: From Lifeguard to Regional Director [05:00] - Theme Park Industry Culture & Camaraderie [06:45] - Balancing Daytime Family Events vs. Nighttime Haunts [08:40] - How Parks Transition at Dusk: Flipping the Switch [11:30] - Managing Scares, No-Boo Options & Family Zones [12:15] - Fun Daytime Attractions: Phantom Foam Pit & Family Activities [13:53] - Tricks & Treats vs. Boo Fest: Merging Cedar Fair & Six Flags Events [15:00] - The Logistics of 5 Million+ Pieces of Candy [16:32] - Operational Integration Post-Merger [18:38] - Character IPs: Looney Tunes vs. Peanuts across Parks [24:19] - Developing Original In-House Characters (Spectral Sisters & Tinker) [28:18] - Setup Timelines: From Summer Operations to Fall Decor [32:05] - Fall Food & Beverage: Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Treats & Festival Dining [34:54] - Creative Development Timeline for New Events [36:20] - Rapid-Fire Halloween & Fall Q&A with Natalie [43:35] - Closing Thoughts & Six Flags Season Passes Six Flags, Tricks and Treats, Boo Fest, Six Flags Halloween, Kids Boo Fest, Fright Fest, Theme Park Entertainment, Natalie Conte, The Attractions Group Podcast, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Cedar Fair Merger, Looney Tunes Theme Park, Peanuts Theme Park, Theme Park Behind the Scenes, Amusement Park Halloween, Family Halloween Events, Theme Park Operations, Trick or Treat Trail #SixFlags #TricksAndTreats #BooFest #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #Halloween2026 #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScenes #FrightFest #FamilyFun #ThemeParkPodcast