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.
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