Happy Hauntings Open at Lake Compounce [PHOTOS]

BRISTOL - It is officially “spooky season” at Lake Compounce with the kick off of the park’s first ever Happy Hauntings experience. America’s Oldest Amusement Park is continuing their 175th birthday celebration into the fall with this new family-friendly experience.

Even before guests reach the entrance to have their tickets scanned, they will notice that the property has been fully decorated for the fall season. As I heard a trio of young children squeal just inside the gates on opening weekend, “They decorated for Halloween!”

Within the park, families can ride their favorite thrill rides or the milder kiddie attractions, and there is an activity for all ages. There are also plenty of Halloween treats to enjoy, as well as the usual park fare for purchase.

Guests at The Lake can expect delicious Halloween treats, two hay mazes, plenty of photo opportunities and a fully decorated, fall-themed park. There is a well-designed pumpkin patch from which to choose the perfect pumpkin near one of the hay mazes that is guarded by a cast member dressed as a scarecrow.

A few costumed characters roamed the grounds; I spotted a ghostbuster, a werewolf and two lovely witches. Nothing was too scary for even the youngest trick or treaters to be, and some little ones had donned their Halloween costume in honor of opening weekend.

I suspect that some area pumpkin patches are completely empty after The Lake acquired the huge number of pumpkins that now festively decorate the park. If you haven’t been to the park in a while, you will notice that the entire Main Street area has been painted; an instructive and fun dinosaur walk-through has been added near the Zoomerang ride.

It was also impressive to see that the rides open for passengers far outnumbered the amount that had been available during the fall season at Lake Compounce before the pandemic. The wide variety of rides open for all ages to enjoy, included Boulder Dash, the terrifying Phobia Phear Coaster, American Flyers, the entire Kiddie Land and many more.

The large water park has been closed for the season but I stopped a moment to take a look at the deserted area without any water or swimmers. The only closed rides that I noticed are Zoomerang and the water flume ride. Riders of the vintage carousel must leave all bags near the entrance in order to ride and single riders are not allowed on the ferris wheel.

The Pumpkin (Potato) Patch is open, along with the usual food stands and a couple of food trucks. Magic shows are offered at scheduled times at the outdoor theatre in kiddie land.

“Happy Hauntings will bring family-friendly Halloween fun to Lake Compounce like never before,” said General Manager Larry Gorneault Jr. “With seasonal sights and special events throughout October, we’re creating unique experiences for our guests to enjoy every time they walk through our front gate.”

Each weekend of Happy Hauntings will offer enchanted experiences.

October 10 is the first-ever Dogtoberfest, furry friends are invited to show off their paw-tastic Halloween costumes while they roam around the park (with their human companions). Guests are asked to provide donations for pets in exchange for a full day of free parking, all donations will go directly to Dog Star Rescue.

Grab your stretchy pants because Lake Compounce and Landon’s Lakeside are hosting their first-ever Apple Fritter Eating Contest on Sunday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m. Connecticut’s top fritter-eater will win more than bragging rights and a full belly: a 2022 Platinum Season Pass, offering unlimited admission next year as well as for the rest of 2021, is up for grabs. Those with a craving for competition can learn more about the contest at LakeCompounce.com/Fritter-Contest.

Many of the patrons, especially the young people, were masked while outdoors, and masks are required to enter the indoor spaces such as Ghost Hunt and the gift shop. Hand sanitizer was available throughout the park and the restrooms were spotless.

America’s Oldest Amusement Park invites guests to trick and treat themselves to all of these fall-inspired events throughout the month. Happy Hauntings at Lake Compounce will run Saturdays and Sundays in October from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Single-day tickets are now available online with prices starting at $29.99 for adults. Those interested in joining the park every weekend of Happy Hauntings can purchase a Silver or Platinum 2022 Season Pass and will receive admission for the remainder of the 2021 season.

At the close of spooky season, the beautiful Lake Compounce’s holiday extravaganza will make a return after a pause on the event in 2020. Holiday Lights will officially relaunch at the park on Nov. 26. The family-friendly light festival will run Fridays from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. through Dec. 29.

All photos by Nancy Sasso Janis