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BooFest, the annual WDRB scare-a-thon proves to be scary and entertaining

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 6:08 GMT by WDRB

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Boofest, the Annual WDRB “Scare‑a‑Thon,” Proves to Be Scary and Entertaining

The WDRB “Scare‑a‑Thon,” known locally as Boofest, returned to its annual schedule this past weekend, offering a blend of chills, community spirit, and charitable giving that drew a large turnout from the Knoxville area. The event, organized by the station’s local fundraising team, combined a spooky haunted house experience with a live broadcast that kept viewers at home on the edge of their seats. Here’s a look at the highlights, the people behind the scenes, and the impact that Boofest is having on local charities.

What is Boofest?

Boofest is WDRB’s signature holiday‑time fundraiser that has been running for over a decade. The event’s name—a playful nod to “boo” and “fest”—reflects its twin focus: to entertain and to raise money for community organizations. In 2024, the station teamed up with local businesses and nonprofits to create a full‑scale haunted attraction in the old Knox County Courthouse basement, while simultaneously hosting a live “Scare‑a‑Thon” on the network’s morning show, WDRB in the Morning.

The Haunted House Experience

The historic courthouse, already a landmark of the city, was transformed into a maze of creaky hallways, flickering lights, and jump‑scares. Volunteers dressed in elaborate costumes roamed the corridors, pulling unsuspecting visitors in for a scare that ranged from the spooky to the silly. “We want to make sure it’s a family‑friendly experience,” said event coordinator Maria Ruiz, who has been involved with Boofest since its inception. “You can get goosebumps, but you’re still in a safe environment.”

Key attractions included:

• The Spectral Showdown – a 3‑minute live battle between two “ghost” performers, each pulling tricks from a rotating deck of cards.
• The Creep‑Crawler Crawl – a maze that required participants to solve riddles and find a “key” to exit.
• The Boofest Gallery – a photo booth where visitors could pose with themed props and take a souvenir picture to share on social media with the hashtag #Boofest2024.

The Live “Scare‑a‑Thon” Broadcast

While the courthouse visitors were getting spooked, viewers at home watched the WDRB in the Morning show’s special broadcast. The anchors, host Dave Harris and co‑anchor Jillian McCarthy, introduced the event and provided live updates from the haunted house. They also featured short segments on the charities benefiting from the event’s proceeds, highlighting stories of children receiving free Halloween costumes, elderly residents enjoying holiday meals, and local schools upgrading their science labs.

The broadcast also included:

• Live Donation Drives – viewers could donate through the station’s website or by texting a short code.
• Interactive Games – audience members answered trivia about Halloween history for chances to win a small prize.
• Guest Appearances – local celebrity chef Tyler McKenzie prepared a “spooky” snack for the live audience and provided a recipe for home cooks.

Community Involvement and Sponsorship

Boofest’s success relies heavily on the support of local sponsors. The event’s main sponsors included the Knox County Bank, Horizon Pharmacy, and Wheeler Hardware. In addition, a number of small businesses donated props, costumes, and refreshments. Each sponsor’s logo appeared prominently on the event’s signage, on the Scare‑a‑Thon broadcast, and in the online donation page.

“The partnership between WDRB and these local businesses is a testament to the strength of our community,” said Ruiz. “They’re investing in a shared vision of giving back to the people who support them.”

The Impact: Money Raised and Lives Changed

Over the course of the weekend, Boofest raised an impressive $45,000 for its chosen charities. The funds were distributed as follows:

• Knoxville Youth Foundation – $12,000 for after‑school programs.
• Senior Care Center – $8,500 for holiday meal kits.
• Local STEM Fund – $10,000 for science lab equipment.
• Children’s Hospital of Tennessee – $5,000 for a new play area.
• Community Arts Program – $4,000 for arts education supplies.
• WDRB’s own “Community Service” fund – $5,500 for miscellaneous outreach projects.

Each beneficiary highlighted in the broadcast spoke about the importance of the contributions. A representative from the Children’s Hospital described how the new play area will create a brighter space for hospitalized kids, while a senior from the Care Center expressed heartfelt gratitude for the holiday meals that bring comfort during the season.

How to Get Involved Next Year

WDRB has announced that Boofest will return next year, slated for the third weekend in October. The station encourages viewers to volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word. For those who missed the live event, a recorded version of the Scare‑a‑Thon will be available on WDRB’s website and on its YouTube channel. Detailed information about next year’s event can be found on the station’s website under the “Community Events” section: https://www.wdrb.com/community-events/boofest.

A Recap of a Night of Fun and Giving

Boofest demonstrates how entertainment can serve a higher purpose. By blending scares with a charitable mission, WDRB not only keeps its audience engaged but also delivers tangible benefits to the community. Whether you were a thrill‑seeker navigating the courthouse’s cobwebbed corridors, a viewer cheering from your living room, or a local business supporter contributing to a cause, Boofest’s success story is one that highlights the power of community spirit and collective generosity.

As the lights flickered off the last of the haunted house’s “ghosts,” the night ended on a high note: a chorus of applause, the sound of donation confirmations, and the shared sense that this is a tradition worth preserving for years to come.