How a simple gorilla suit transformed a California theme park into a horror empire

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1973, a concessionaire decided static props were not enough to entertain guests, so he donned a gorilla suit to terrorize visitors. That spontaneous act birthed Knott's Scary Farm, a seasonal transformation of 160 acres that became the longest-running and largest Halloween event in any theme park's history.

The event originated from a 1973 proposal by park staff, but it was Bud Hurlbut—the operator of the Calico Mine Ride—who provided the spark by actively scaring riders. Originally a modest three-night experiment in October 1973, the event was an immediate success, selling out nightly by its second year. The park, which was modeled after the ghost town of Calico, California, utilized its existing Ghost Town section as the foundation for the initial haunt, eventually expanding the macabre transformation to cover the entire 160-acre property.

Over the decades, the event evolved through various cultural shifts. In the 1980s, the park leaned into pop culture, featuring figures like Elvira, who remained a staple until 2001. By the 1990s, the tone shifted toward a blend of horror and black comedy, a balance that helped sustain its popularity. The event has also featured controversial live performances like The Hanging, which has lampooned news and celebrities annually since 1979, despite occasional hiatuses.

The park's most iconic figure was the Wicked Green Witch of Calico. Charlene Parker, who portrayed the character from 1983 to 2017, became legendary for her ability to terrify guests, often causing groups to scatter in panic. Her impact was so significant that Guest Relations identified her as the primary cause of separated parties in the era before cell phones. While she was replaced by The Conductor in 2021, the event continues to operate on a massive scale, featuring 10 mazes, 5 scare zones, and 4 live shows as of 2023.

The event's management has seen significant changes, most notably the 2024 merger between Cedar Fair and Six Flags. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a cancellation in 2020, the event returned to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023. It remains a benchmark in the industry, having received the Golden Ticket Award for Best Halloween Event in both 2005 and 2007.

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