FishHawk Fright House ends after final two nights

The FishHawk Ranch neighborhood has a long-standing Halloween tradition that draws thousands of visitors each October, but the event will not continue next year. Tim and Shawna Kugler announced that this year marks the final season of their garage and backyard haunted house, known as the Fright House.

The couple began the tradition to create lasting memories for their children. Shawna Kugler noted that when their now 21-year-old daughter was born, her father wanted an activity that would grow with the kids. The eldest daughter, a senior at Florida State University, has already applied the family's experience to organize a haunted house for her sorority for the second year in a row.

Tim Kugler cited his youngest child's upcoming high school graduation as the specific reason for ending the annual event. He recalled that his love for Halloween started in childhood, when he was 10 or 11 years old and made a haunted house in his basement that led to broken vases and trouble with his mother. He described himself as a "big kid" who enjoys the process of setting up the displays.

The family begins decorating in early October. This year, they are coordinating with Seeds of Hope, a local food pantry, to collect donations of money or non-perishable food items. Seeds of Hope provides food to 300 families weekly and assists an additional 500 families around Thanksgiving. A donation bin is located outside the home, and donations are accepted through the end of the week.

The Fright House opens at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, and again on Saturday, October 31. The family has scheduled a special window from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for children who prefer a less intense experience. The main scare version runs from 7:00 p.m. until approximately 9:45 p.m. on both nights.

Following the final night, the Kuglers will dismantle all decorations on Sunday. Tim Kugler stated that all Halloween items are for sale to anyone who wishes to visit. Shawna Kugler added that the family does not want to store the props, signaling a complete end to the physical setup.