A scary event for Halloween 2020

2020 has been a year of many scares, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ominously-named murder hornets. If the year’s events haven’t been scary enough, Raisin’ Hell Ranch in Madera is open and welcoming people to come in and get a fright, all while staying safe.

Ranch owner Darren Schmall says quarantining has made people ready for something different. “People are really anxious to get out, to be able to do something. They’re coming out, they’re following our rules and I think they’re having a good time,” said Schmall.

The ranch is following CDC guidelines by asking people to keep a safe distance and testing its employees daily for fevers. Social distancing signs can be seen throughout the ranch along with a hand sanitizing station placed near the bathroom to encourage safety protocols.

Locals looking for a good scare say they feel safe. “I think they’ve done a good job. They have the security guard telling us to be mindful of our distancing and to wear our masks. Yeah, I thought they did a good job,” said Fresno resident Gina Rios.

But with any event that has many visitors like Raisin’ Hell Ranch, keeping a safe distance can be difficult. “It’s a little hard keeping six feet when standing in lines,” said Fresno State Kinesiology student Cade Harrison.

For many people, coming to the ranch is the only part of the month that feels like Halloween. “The only other thing we usually do is watch a movie or something like that but this is our fix right now,” says Harrison.

So for those coming hoping to get scared this Halloween, remember to wear your mask, keep a safe distance, and get ready to scream.