There are ways to scare people without digging into witchcraft, demons, and killing. The Burning of Marmaros would make for a terrific show in the Opera House. Living scarecrows could be a humorous interactive experience. Sing-along hayrides through the woods at night could easily be done. Pumpkin carving demonstrations and competitions could would be fun, and well-place bonfires could help with lighting and ambience. Roasted corn and pumpkin funnel cakes round out the menu. I don't think it would be a stretch to create a world record scarecrow using the WB tower as a framework.
Where I used to work, we had a crawl-through haymaze through complete darkness. I added access point at which I could make scratching and subtle growling sounds. I use PVC to throw my voice to all corners of the maze. It took people 1/2 hour to find the exit. They were scared. We didn't have to use evil themes to scare them.
I was at WoF before the haunted stuff began, but the decorations were already up. I found the dead baby display to be distasteful. I don't get anything from that kind of stuff, but with creativity, SDC could add some class to the season.