Zombies Bring their Haunts to Downtown
Running a seasonal haunted house is harder than it looks. Ten years ago
Frightmare Forest was born, and over the last decade it has grown to become a household name for fun and safe Halloween haunted house entertainment. It hasn’t been easy, and the event wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers and support of the community.
In June of 2009,
Frightmare Forest was on the edge of extinction. We knew that the property we were occupying would eventually become the Hwy 100 extension, and that it was only a matter of time. In addition, we had literally taken the outdoor haunt experience as far as we could.
We were looking for something new, otherwise it was time to hang up the proverbial hat.
The search began with our friends at Skogman Commercial. We looked at dozens of properties in all parts of town, coordinated our needs with City departments, and eventually selected our current location at 412 7th Ave SE.
It was the first property we toured, and the only downtown location. Being downtown was a huge draw for us, and thanks to the support of our new neighbors, the Downtown District, and the City of Cedar Rapids, it came together relatively easily.
After our move downtown in November of 2009, it was obvious that we had made the correct choice. Our neighboring business owners all stopped in to introduce themselves, and have helped us out however they can, either by borrowing forklifts, helping with discounts on supplies we need, lending a helping hand, or by simply cross-promoting our event. We’ve never had a welcoming like we have had downtown, and it just goes to show that
the downtown community post-flood is stronger than ever before.
The relocation of our attraction hasn’t been without its challenges. Completing a move and rebranding the attraction as
“Circle of Ash” has required many hours of work from countless individuals, it has strained personal relationships, and no matter how hard you plan… you just can’t plan for everything. We are growing, and with the support of the community, we will be here for a long time to come.
Throughout all of our experiences over the past year, one simple fact remains: Moving the haunt has been full of challenges, but thanks to the help of the community we have been able to overcome those challenges. That kind of family spirit and support in our business from the community allows us to focus on what really is hard:
coming up with fresh ways to scare, spook and entertain our guests...
Ian Austin is a member of Frightmare Forest Productions, LLC and has been a part of the organization since 2001. Currently the project manager and technical director for the haunt, he leads a team of over 100 volunteers throughout the year to create haunted house productions for the Cedar Rapids area community. Assisted by 4 other members, they look forward to scaring you at the newest haunted attraction: Circle of Ash, located at 412 7th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. Ian can be reached at ian@circleofash.com.