Saunders Farm Celebrates 30 Years of Ghoul School Training at Haunting Season

Ottawa, ON — September 2025 – Saunders Farm is proud to announce the return of its world-renowned Haunting Season, highlighted by the 30th anniversary of Ghoul School, the Farm’s legendary staff training day.

Since 1995, Ghoul School has been the cornerstone of Saunders Farm’s award-winning guest experience. It began when Saunders Farm brought in David Aurillio, then Head of Live Shows at Universal Studios Orlando, to train the team in theatrical performance and guest engagement. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant tradition that prepares hundreds of young workers for their roles in creating unforgettable memories for tens of thousands of visitors.

This year, more than 400 staff members gathered for Ghoul School to learn about the Farm’s history, culture, and commitment to excellence in hospitality and entertainment. Saunders Farm remains one of the largest employers of youth in the Ottawa region, providing not only seasonal jobs but also hands-on training that shapes future careers.

Ghoul School by the Numbers

• Total staff hired for Fall 2025: 400+

• Staff under 25 years old: 220

• First-time jobholders: 50+

• Returning staff: 60%

• Actors and performers: 120

Saunders Farm offers roles across a wide range of skills and talents — from farming, guest services, acting, set and costume design, and operations, to retail, food and beverage, baking, cider making, and more. Every role is essential to delivering the world-famous Saunders Farm experience.

“All of our team members are local and paid, which means wages stay in our community.  We don’t have any volunteers,” said Mark Saunders, Co-Owner of Saunders Farm. “We’re proud that Ghoul School has become more than just training — it’s a rite of passage for so many young people in our region to enter the workforce for the first time, and a celebration of the community that we’ve built together.”

As one of the region’s largest seasonal festivals and employers, Saunders Farm continues to nurture the next generation of workers while creating magical, spooky, and joy-filled memories for visitors of all ages.

Saunders Farm is still hiring a few roles.  Check out www.saundersfarm.com