Kennywood Park’s Phantom Fall Fest continues this weekend with a special challenge – the inaugural Phantom’s Scorpion Showdown – scorpion eating contest. (Photo Provided)

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — Fries, cheese, and scorpions? Oh my! This Saturday, Oct. 18, Kennywood Park is challenging five contestants to go head-to-head during the park’s first ever Phantom’s Scorpion Showdown.

Whoever is the first to finish their scorpion-topped Potato Patch fries will win two 2026 Gold Season Passes and a prize pack that includes a hoodie, hat and drawstring bag … plus bragging rights.

All participants will receive two Chills Speedy Passes to skip the line at each sinister haunt found throughout Phantom Fall Fest.

The chow down begins at 7 p.m. sharp at the Kennyville Stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, starting at 6:30 p.m. near the Kennyville Stage. All contestants must be at least 18 years old and complete a waiver to participate, five main contestants and two alternates will be selected. Contest rules can be found online.

Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood puts more horror into Halloween every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 1, plus Thursday, Oct. 23.

This year, park-goers are in for even more frights as the park debuts an all-new haunt, Detached. Brave souls are encouraged to pull themselves together as they enter the terrifying toy store of the Puppet Master.

His delusional quest to build the perfect puppet has led him deeper into madness. Now, he’s handpicking the parts he desires from the brave people who enter his shop.

Those who enter should keep their head on straight if they are going to survive a trip through a world of deranged dolls and manic marionettes.

For information, visit www.kennywood.com.