Amidst the excited chatter and blasting music at the Schopf family farm, every starry weekend night a chill runs through the air. It’s silent reminder that despite the upbeat atmosphere there is much to be feared beyond the lights, and goosebumps are just a forewarning.

     Field of Screams originally started out as a hayride in 1993 on Gene and Jim Schopf’s family farm in Pennsylvania, and barely pulled in 2,000 people the first year. However, 20 years later, they are welcoming about 2,000 thrill-seeking visitors a night.

     “Our goal now is to be the best haunted attraction in America,” said Gene.

     Both of the owners are former teachers, and their mother, Annette Schopf is also involved as part of the haunted attraction.  Visitors can find Annette dressed in a “creepy, old cat lady” costume.

     “I am very proud of what they [Gene and Jim] created,” said Annette.

     The Field of Screams family extends out past blood as well. People have been volunteering to help the owners since they first opened. Jason McComsey, who was a former student of Jim’s, has been scaring guests for 11 years. He has worked everything there is to do at Field of Screams- from being a part of all of the attractions to working the crowds. He is out with the crowds currently, because he has experience and the owners trust him to get close to people with objects, like a shovel, without causing harm.

     “I am here because you get to do something you normally do not get to do,” said McComsey.

     Insurance agency owner by day and clown by night, Ben Brison, otherwise known as Clownie Clownson, has been a part of the ever-expanding family for the past 18 years. Living in the house directly next to the farm, he couldn’t help but notice the growing attraction. Brison’s original goal was to fix the technical side, but then he gradually shifted into the clown persona. He plans on staying at the Field of Screams as long as he needs to be there.

     “It is a big stress reliever, and it helps keeps kids off the streets,” said Brison.

     The Haunted Hayride that was created in 1993 grew quickly as the best haunted hayride in PA. From there, the Field of Screams began expanding, and the Disturbing Den of Darkness that opened in 1995. In 2002 the Frightmare Asylums ghosts began welcoming guests. These new features have helped the Field of Screams earn the title of America’s #1 Haunted Attraction.

      Go crawling through the Den of Darkness where horrendous creatures lie and await your arrival in the creaky old abandoned house. Travel through the twisted corn where the walking dead wait to focus on every fear.  Force one foot in front of the other, while listening for clown’s  twisted giggles throughout the halls of the Frightmare Asylum .

     After five years in the making, Nocturnal Wasteland was opened to guests brave enough to enter the trail on foot. To make it through the course, guests crawl, walk, run and prepare for the “lethal gases” and the almost invisible chameleon waiting for them at every turn. With trapped women screaming out for help, and prisoners banging on prison bars, it is hard not to freeze in place, but if guests stay too long, many more creatures will find it easier to attack.

      Located just about an hour from North Harford, Field of Screams, located in Lancaster, PA, is easily accessible. Guests can either buy a ticket for one attraction between $14-16, or a Scream Pass that includes tickets for all four attractions and entrance to the entertainment area for $33.