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Date: 5/16/2022
PALMER – For 20 years, the 13th World, a haunted attraction in Rhode Island, has instilled both fear and fun to many. Now, the 13th World has expanded its fright, by opening a second location in Palmer.
Rich Vaillant, along with his two partners Zeke Fortier and Mike Crawley, purchased the old Crossroads Sportsbar at 1701 Park St. The building has been vacant for about five years.
When they became aware of this location, Vaillant said they primarily bought it because of the land and parking space.
In Rhode Island, the 13th World Haunted Attraction is something that people walk through and leave, said Vaillant. In Palmer, they want to create more of an “establishment” for people to spend a few hours at. This location will be called 13th World Fright Park. The park will include multiple attractions such as photo opportunities, vendors and more.
Vaillant said Halloween events usually attract younger crowds. To offer attractions for the whole family, the 13th World has other seasonal activities, such as a Christmas event they have hosted in years past. With their new location, Vaillant said they are hoping to offer even more events and make use of the pavilion and banquet space.
“It needs some work,” said Vaillant, as the building has been vacant and the previous owners didn’t address some necessary issues.
This past winter, Vaillant said they invested time into working on the building, as it needs to pass inspections before re-opening. He added that there is a lot to be done financially. This includes electricity, bathroom installations and more. “We are getting there,” he said.
Once the building passes inspections, Vaillant said they plan to open for their Halloween events in mid-September, lasting through the first week of November.
Currently, Vaillant said they are looking to hire about 80 to 100 people for the Halloween season. As of press time, he said they have received “quite a bit of applicants,” although they still need more.
He went on to say that the town of Palmer has been extremely supportive of their business and people seem “optimistic” and interested in wanting to be a part of it.
Vaillant and his partners plan to “split-off,” in operating their two locations, he said. As their Rhode Island location has been operating for 20 years and already has its team of staff and managers, Vaillant said their main focus will be in Palmer.
The two locations are roughly an hour away from each other.
During the off season, Vaillant said they will refer to their Palmer location as “Highway River,” as a river runs behind the building. Although they specialize and invest mostly into the Halloween season, Vaillant said they would like to rent out the space for weddings, showers and other events.