Niles Scream Park raises $153,000 for local groups
Published 4:58 pm Thursday, November 30, 2023
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NILES — The Niles Scream Park, one of Michiana’s most popular autumn attractions, recently completed another successful season at its always changing 44-acre site on Mayflower Road between Niles and Buchanan.
This year, the 50th consecutive year for running the project, the Scream Park raised more than $153,000 for more than 77 area children’s organizations, civic groups and other charities.
Proceeds benefited local schools and service organizations including groups such as the Boy Scouts, Pet Refuge, the Cass County Fair Association, the Humane Society of Elkhart County and the Lake Shore High School Stage Crew. The funds raised will also be used for six different college scholarships for local high school seniors. Since 1996, the Scream Park has donated more than $2,500,000.
In addition to the cash donations, the Niles Scream Park supported many local causes, auctions and benefits with ticket donations totaling more than $3,500. Additionally, it awarded $8,500 in college scholarships in 2023.
The project included seven haunted attractions and provided volunteer opportunities both in construction and operation of the Scream Park. Plans are underway for even more frightening additions in the coming year. More than 24,000 hours were volunteered by more than 450 different people before and during its 22 nights of operation to prepare and operate the seasonal attraction.
The year also marked a visit from Park interior visitor number 2,600,000. Harper Benjamin of Valparaiso Indiana was the special milestone visitor. She received a gift pack when she visited the Scream Park on Sunday, October 15th, 2023 with her friend Ryan Newbold.
The Scream Park is recognized nationally in the haunted house industry. It was listed at 11 on the Haunted House Chicago Official 2023 Top 13 list.