Kids could go through a less scary version of Soul Takers Acres at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. Lights were on and animatronics off then, and kids got candy throughout the house. In the house Saturday were from left: Miss Kosciusko County fair queen Ashley Irwin, Miss Kosciusko second runner-up Jasmine Fuller, Kinsley Minix and Zayden Minix.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Soul Takers Acres is a typical haunted house, with animatronics and darkness meant to entertain attendees with scares.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds’ Halloween attraction adjusted its elements so kids could take a turn through it.

Kosciusko County Fair Board Member and Kosciusko County 4-H Horse and Pony Club leader Randy Shepherd said the kid-friendly version was started “two years ago.”

“We wanted to get more involved with the community and bring the kids in,” he said of why the less scary version was started.

Kids and parents paid a reduced fee of $5 to go through the house Saturday, with volunteers along the route handing out treat bags to the kids.

“I hope that it’s a good family thing with the lights on. It’s a little more scary in the dark,” said Shepherd.

Shepherd said Soul Takers Acres has gone on for around 11 years at the fairgrounds. It’s put on by the horse and pony club in conjunction with the fair board, with proceeds going for fairground operations and to benefit the club.

The fair board also has Zombies Alive. Going on for about nine years, the attraction allows people to shoot at “zombies” with paintballs.

Both attractions are staffed by volunteers.

“We appreciate all the volunteers that come out and help us,” said Shepherd.

He noted there’s one family from Iowa which visits Soul Takers Acres annually.

People still have one more weekend to visit Soul Takers Acres and Zombies Alive.

Both are 8-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27 and 28. Tickets are $15 for regular admission and $20 for VIP admission to Soul Takers and $10 for regular admission and $20 for VIP admission to Zombies Alive.

From left: Irwin, Fuller and Luna Malagon pose in the haunted house.

Harper Vetor, left, and Roczen Vetor hold their treat bags.