Halloween is always celebrated with various frightening and spooky events but very few in Florida can claim to be as grand as Kugler’s Annual Fishhawk Fright House (FHFH). 

   Fishhawk Fright House is a yearly Halloween-themed event created by Tim Kugler out of his love for haunted houses. 

  The first ever FHFH event started when Tim Kugler and his family first moved to Fishhawk in 2006 and has remained a yearly Halloween activity ever since.

   Despite concerns about COVID-19 last year, when he surveyed people asking if they would still go to FHFH, people surprisingly did not mind. However, the activities were limited to outdoors with a “Yard hunt” because of lingering concern.

   Kugler stated, “We were disappointed last year with Halloween on Saturday. We had big things planned.”

    This year, the haunted house will have an indoor event with wide hallways and scare zones. Guests will also be placed separately from other parties to account for COVID-19 this year.  

   Tim Kugler was able to answer some questions regarding FHFH’s setup and the event itself. When it comes to the process of creating FHFH Kugler said, “The total setup takes about 200 hours. And each year I try to add new elements.“

   He has made use of his home in various ways such as a maze out of his garage and this year, Kugler’s doing a laser hallway with a swamp-theme and fog.

   His Facebook page, @TheFHFH has shown that he is making use of pallets and bicycle tires that no one is using for this year’s event. 

   Kugler also enjoys seeing the hundreds of guests and their families going to the event, expressing, “I really enjoy seeing the long lines to enter and the excitement on all the families and kids faces. I also enjoy how our family and friends have made it part of their tradition to                                    come help out each year.  I also like when we meet new people in FH and we learn that they have attended our event at some point.” 

   Once the event is over, Kugler states, ”Afterward I enjoy sitting around with all the workers and sharing stories about the night.”

   FHFH will take place at 16116 Palmettorun Circle, Lithia. 

   The times available are 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 30 and Sunday Oct. 31. No fee is required to enter. While having a mask is not required, Kugler heavily requests guests wear one as all the workers and volunteers wear one as well.

   Guests can even donate non-perishable foods thanks to a partnership with the Seeds of Hope Food Bank starting Oct. 23 to Nov. 1. The contents can be put in a box that will be provided on site that will be available to drop off anytime.