On this day in theme park history: Knott's Berry Farm celebrated the opening night of their very first 1973 Halloween Haunt, today known as "Knott's Scary Farm."

For an entry fee of $4.00, guests could explore a totally transformed version of the classic park, featuring a scare maze, live monsters, and other spooky entertainment - all hosted by Sinister Seymour, Master of the Macabre.

Scary Farm was not only a major first for Knott's, it marked the birth of the entire modern haunt industry, forever changing the way that theme parks (and the entire United States, really) celebrated Halloween.

The event is responsible for generating half of all revenue for the park, and continues to expand its offering of tasty seasonal treats, ride re-themes, and original horror IP.

While the Scary Farm we all know and love may be in hibernation this year for the pandemic, Knott's continues to usher in autumn cheer with "Knott's Taste of Fall-O-Ween," a food festival...