Halloween hasn’t been the same since last year, with trick-or-treaters sparsely roaming the streets for sweets amid a serious global pandemic. Although thankfully, Governor Murphy did not cancel this treasured holiday in October 2020, people have not been able to express their spooky spirit to the fullest. However, this year’s Halloween provides the people of Monmouth County another chance to once again enjoy the festivities. And what a better way to celebrate by visiting the most popular Halloween attraction in Marlboro, New Jersey: C. Casola Farms!

If you are a local of Freehold or Marlboro, you most certainly have heard of this attraction. If not, you have noticed the traffic on route 79 during the weekends in the Halloween season. Located at 131 South Main Street, Marlboro, NJ 07746, Casola Farms is conveniently situated around multiple high-quality eateries: Burger Boys, Fireside Grill and Bar, and Cuzin’s Seafood Clam Bar are just a few. They also serve food on-site such as burgers, hotdogs, fries, and funnel cake. Albeit, it’s worth mentioning that it might be in your best interest to plan the meal until after your frightening adventure. 

From September 24th to October 31st Casola Farms is open every weekend. On Friday to Saturday ticket sales begin around 6:30 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m. On Sundays they open a little later and close a little bit earlier, around 7:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.; but the haunted attractions stay open until the last poor soul has left!

Ticket sales are conducted in person (at the Ticket Window) and are not sold online. Including sales tax, the prices are as follows: Zombie Paintball is $25.00, Haunted Hayride is $15.00, Haunted Barn is $12.00, and the Living Maze is $12.00. There are also packages you can purchase such as the combo package at $35.00 that includes the Hayride, Barn, and Maze (it’s a really good deal). You can also buy the Ultimate Package at $60.00 that includes Zombie Paintball along with the aforementioned attractions. On military and law enforcement nights, police officers and veterans can get $5.00 off the Ultimate Package as long as a valid ID is presented. All ticket sales are final and there are no refunds, but make sure to bring cash because credit cards are not accepted at any window.   

At this point, you may be wondering, what exactly do these attractions entail? While they might be self-explanatory, it may be worth your time to try and fully understand what you are getting yourself into. The Haunted Hayride of Terror consists of a ten-minute ride in the back of a hay-filled trailer, attached to a tractor. With a group of people, you are driven along a dark path while scary apparitions and actors (clowns, ghosts, goblins, and gargoyles) make the experience as terrifying as possible. But don’t worry, they won’t touch you… as long as you don’t touch them. 

Without spoiling it, the 3D Haunted Barn is “decorated” with chilling images and filled with soul-biting creatures lurking in the dark shadows. Be sure to stay with the group and don’t lag behind. If you are faint-hearted I don’t recommend The Living Maze. It’s filled with hair-raising twists and turns that will leave you wondering if you’ll ever escape. There are rumors that some people get lost and never find their way out; no one knows what happens to them. That’s not even mentioning who or what might be wandering those hallowed grounds.

The last attractionーand the most fun in my opinionー is Zombie Paintball. You get 125 rounds and the free will to shoot anything and anyone in your sights (other than the people beside you, which I think is a stupid rule). A row of guns is mounted on the back of an army truck and you are driven down a road filled with slow-moving zombies. They can’t shoot back (sadly) but you can certainly shoot them. Here’s a tip: it makes it even more exhilarating once you realize you’re relentlessly peppering real people with paintballs while they have to just stand there! So make sure to get there early, on an empty stomach, and remember not to show any fear. Happy Halloween everyone!