As the air turns crisp and Halloween approaches, Kennywood Amusement Park transforms into a haunted wonderland known as Phantom Fall Fest. Among the dedicated team of scare actors is Christopher Hykes, affectionately known as “Scarecrow,” who has spent 16 thrilling seasons perfecting his craft as a monster performer.
The moniker “Scarecrow” originated from one of Hykes’s first characters, a robotic scarecrow that ambushed unsuspecting guests. Since then, he has become a staple of the Phantom Fright Nights experience, often playing multiple roles throughout the event.
“I typically wear three costumes a day, but my record is nine in just six hours,” Hykes shared, showcasing his incredible versatility. Each character is meticulously crafted by Hykes himself, contributing to a personal collection of over 80 costumes that range from fleeting creations to “Legendary Creatures” that return year after year.
Hykes’s most recognized characters include Bugsy, a twitchy exterminator; the Pumpkin King, a towering 7-foot monster; and the iconic Phantom, a mesmerizing figure draped in an elegant black-and-purple robe. Each character not only entertains but also contributes to the rich tapestry of Pittsburgh’s horror legacy.
“Pittsburgh is the ‘Zombie Capital of the World,’” Hykes noted, referencing the city’s history with horror films like “Night of the Living Dead” and its influential figures such as George Romero.
The evolution of Phantom Fright Nights reflects the community’s commitment to creating an immersive experience for all. What began as a few haunted walkthroughs has grown into a fully immersive event that captivates attendees after dark. “If you’re in the park after 6 PM, you’re FAIR TO SCARE,” Hykes emphasized, describing the transition into nighttime festivities.
In 2017, the park introduced “Happy Hauntings,” a daytime event designed for families, featuring trick-or-treating and kid-friendly activities. However, the event struggled to compete with other regional attractions and was discontinued in 2021, leading to the current format of Phantom Fall Fest, which welcomes guests every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
One unique aspect of Phantom Fall Fest is that every roving character is a product of the actor’s creativity. “We make our own costumes and props, and many of us even do our own makeup,” Hykes explained. This level of dedication ensures that each character is carefully developed, with hours spent refining movements and interactions with guests.
Kennywood holds open interviews for Phantom Fall Fest, allowing potential team members to meet existing actors and experience the costumes up close. While the park does not offer formal acting lessons, there are informal “Load-in” nights where actors can collaborate and share ideas. Hykes envisions a “Behind the Scares” presentation to further engage guests, showcasing how intricate costumes like the Phantom are constructed using everyday materials.
Despite the challenges of performing long hours in heavy costumes, Hykes remains passionate about his role. “It’s hard, but it’s the most fun, most rewarding experience I’ve ever had,” he reflected. As Phantom Fall Fest draws to a close on October 27, Hykes is already looking forward to the upcoming Holiday Lights event, where he will portray a Nutcracker amidst 2 million twinkling lights.
“If you visit Phantom Fall Fest or Holiday Lights, come and say hi! I’ll be there,” Hykes invited, embodying the spirit of community and dedication that makes Kennywood’s events a beloved tradition in the region.
