Dark Carnival Haunts Freehold Raceway [VIDEO]

By day, with a practice in Manalapan. But when Halloween season rolls around, Conti spends his nights orchestrating an 8,000-square-foot haunted house.

Conti and a group of about 25 fellow horror enthusiasts have brought the Dark Carnival Haunted House to Freehold Raceway on Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The black- and red-striped octagon resembles a sinister circus. Inside, actors wearing elaborate face masks and costumes play out nine scenes.

“It tells the story of the old-time freak shows,” Conti said.

Characters include Morbus, the aquatic fish boy, and Algano, the amphibious lizard man. As guests pass through the maze, the actors jump out, rattle the walls, or find other ways to give a good fright.

Because of the frightening and graphic nature of some of the scenes and characters, Conti says the haunted house is not recommended for children under 10.

Last year, the Dark Carnival Haunted House debuted in East Brunswick. Conti said organizers were debating a several locations for the haunted house’s second year but Freehold Raceway seemed the ideal spot.

Admission costs $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Coupons are available on the Dark Carnival Haunted House Web site. For reservations, call Conti at 732-599-5147.