Monday, September 18, 2023

New Fear Unleashed at Field of Screams

  • Massive Fear Factory scene brings the screams
  • All four attractions updated for 2023
  • Expanded entertainment area includes a bar and axe throwing


Photo: Field of Screams 

MOUNTVILLE, Pa. – A dilapidated factory just past a bend in the wooded trail bears the name Pickering Garment Co., established 1927. Guests on the hayride are pulled under the deteriorating facade into the dimly-lit structure, and the scares begin almost immediately. 

A girl can be seen with her head in a guillotine, crying for help, as bodies hanging from an overhead conveyor rotate above the guests.


“Do you want to see her die? Let me hear you if you want to see her die!” a voice yells to the wagon full of haunt fans, which responds resoundingly with loud cheers and “Yes!”


The executioner drops the blade, her head rolls, and the ill-intent of the maniacs running the factory is turned to guests in the wagon.


The elaborate scene and massive set, known as Fear Factory, is new to the Haunted Hayride portion of Field of Screams’ for the 2023 season. It is one of several significant changes to the Mountville, Pa., haunt, which is consistently known as one of the best in the country.


                             Fear Factory, new Haunted Hayride scene

Field of Screams began its 2023 season Friday, Sept. 8. It features four attractions - Haunted Hayride, Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum, and Nocturnal Wasteland, all of which received new additions. 


Jim Schopf, who owns Field of Screams with his brother, Gene Schopf, said ideas for upgrades and new ways to bring spooky entertainment to guests are constantly in motion.


“The gears are always turning,” said Schopf, who also said staff already has a list of ideas for future seasons.


According to Field of Screams, additions for 2023 include:


  • Gory Garage in Den of Darkness, “where only the lucky ones will escape the clutches of Leroy the Mechanic. Watch in horror as he puts his tools to use on those less fortunate.”

  • An entirely new basement in Frightmare Asylum, where visitors “are forced to walk through the inhumane treatment rooms” and through the recreational wing “where the inmates are just dying to have visitors in their presence.” 

  • New twists and turns to Nocturnal Wasteland, where visitors will “encounter creatures and characters found only in your worst nightmares.” 

  • Axe throwing lanes

  • The Chainsaw Bar, which includes a custom-themed Field of Screams drink.

  • An expanded immersive light, video, sound, and 3D mapping show in the entertainment area.


                     Light show at Field of Screams 

Field of Screams also features three 5-minute escape rooms: Captured, Lockdown, and The Heist; carnival-style games, a Scream Shop for merchandise, several food and drink vendors, live music and roaming actors who terrify guests as they walk around the midway. 


Jim Schopf said the haunted attraction will have about 200 actors for the 2023 season, which has increased since the Covid pandemic. 


The high number of actors keeps the scares fresh and guests wondering which one will terrify them next. The haunted attraction has scared over one million people since it opened in 1993, according to a press release.


Field of Screams' fall season runs through November 3, ending with Extreme Blackout, a darker and more intense experience that isn't part of the haunt's regular season.


Tickets can be bought by visiting Field of Scream's website.


            A scene from Frightmare Asylum