Boo Fest venue changes

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Ghouls, goblins and superheroes gather Oct. 30 as Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp. presents a “spooktacular" event, Boo Fest.

Held on Lakewood Ranch Main Street since its inception nine years ago, this year’s festival will be held at a new location, the Premier Sports Campus.

“Parking was a really big issue, and the fact it’s grown so much over the years," said Kyanne Merrill, director of events for CAC. "We get 4,000 to 5,000 people.

"It’s definitely our largest event. The move just made sense. It’ll provide more space for parking and in general.”

The event is free, but parking costs $5.

Children should come dressed in their Halloween costumes and be ready for a night of trick-or-treating at sponsor booths along trick-or-treat lane. Guests also will enjoy music, live performances, flash mobs, face painting, hayrides, an inflatable maze and a 30-by-30-foot enclosed, ranch-inspired haunted house, among other festivities.

Both the hayride and maze are new attractions intended to help make the event feel more like a family festival, Merrill said.

“It’ll be fun,” she said. “A lot of the community is involved in this event.”

Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].