Miles of rural woods in Dade City encircle a sinister scene. Deafening chainsaws and unrelenting screams are heard from across the dark parking lot. A hillbilly wielding a bloodied ax and a Hannibal Lector-like monster approaches those entering through the gates. Their terrorizing domain is Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park.

The location is devilishly placed. It lies on the outskirts of a forest. A dark two-lane road, notably absent of cell reception, leads to its entrance. The park contains five attractions, four haunted houses, and a haunted hayride. What makes the horror park unique and arguably scarier than its counterparts are its interactive attractions. Those who wear the glow-necklace consent to being grabbed pulled away from their group or forced to remain in the house. Groups enter one at a time, increasing the terrifying experience.

Blackpool Prison is the first of two indoor houses. Those daring enough to wear the necklace gets thrust into black cells where the deranged emerge from utter blackness taunting and whispering, “you deserve to be here”. The murderous inmates torment guests as they shove their victims in closets, isolated hallways, or chairs. Prison guards frantically beg for your help. Getting separated from the group is a given, even for those choosing to forgo the necklace and observe the mayhem. It forces visitors to trek the house alone, as each group member gets plucked off one by one.

The newest house, Infected: Ground Zero is also interactive. Writhing zombies occupy a confusing maze of quarantined farmland. One zombie guides a guest into the medical tent demanding she lie on the table. The monster proceeds to cover her entirely with a black tarp. Try to move, and the zombie warns, “don’t escape”, and holds the tarp down.

Monster Midway, the center attraction, offers no reprieve from creatures as they incessantly follow and sneak up on guests. The hub offers food and alcoholic beverages, if one can dodge the stalking monsters. Get some payback by launching paintballs at zombies or warm up by the fire pit on cold nights.

Utilizing the appropriately eerie forest, is the outside attraction, Deadwood. It is an unlit winding trail through the woods. Attendants send groups off with only the moon and a solitary glow stick to light the way. Hillbillies materialize from the darkness and shout as groups pass through cabins of dangling skunks. Deeper into the trail, cannibals swing chainsaws as guests run for their lives.

Bedlam 3D is a disorienting and mind-altering clown rave. Vibrant neon colors, black lights and blaring house music, provide a stark contrast to the previous houses. Through 3D glasses, clowns jump out of checkered and skull-lined walls. It is a blurry maze where getting lost is easy, but do not rely on a clown to point to the right exit. Although, if you dance to the music, they will join you.

Ticket prices start at $21.95 on select nights. The park is open from 7:30 p.m.-11p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 p.m. to 1a.m. on weekends. Nov. 4 is the last day to attend. Save $5 by purchasing tickets on their website. For more information visit: www.screamageddon.com