Field of Screams is frightfully fun

Field of Screams is a yearly Halloween event hosted by the Olney Boys and Girls Community Association. The club sets up a haunted trail in the forest surrounding its fields and runs a Kiddie Playland that includes pumpkin painting, haystacks and a moonbounce for kids too young for the scary forest. Proceeds go to maintaining the Boys and Girls Club.

As you walk through the forest, the only light comes from tiny glowsticks hung every few yards from skeletal trees. A twig cracks behind you and you whip around to face a huge man with a chainsaw roaring in his hands. You sprint, screaming down the path, only to run into a werewolf. Dozens of such scary encounters all happen within the Field of Screams.

The Haunted Trail and the Cornmaze of Mayhem, Field of Screams' two main attractions, are most appropriate for crowds 12 years old and up. The Haunted Trail branches off into two routes, one less scary than the other, but both include disturbing encounters and characters such as a crazed woodsman, howling werewolves and cackling witches. Similarly, the cornmaze might be too difficult for younger children; it requires a lot of walking and patience as patrons try through trial and error to find their way out.

Those who dare enter the Haunted Trail must be positive that they're ready for dimly lit paths and frightening creatures that sometimes take chase after patrons. There is a lot of running involved in the Haunted Trail, so the most appropriate footwear is sneakers. Also, the forest is dark and cold, so warm clothing is needed. Be warned that it's not always easy to see roots or rocks in the path, especially when running from monsters, so it's important to proceed with extra caution while in the forest. Paying close attention to the path markings is also necessary because it is extremely easy to get lost in such a dark place.

Although it's a lot easier to see in the cornmaze, the path is a lot less straightforward. There are innumerable twisting paths through the tall, dark stalks, and it's very easy to go around in circles. Though it may get tedious if only one person were to do it, it's a lot of fun with large groups of friends.

Halloween treats like hot chocolate and apple cider are sold at the main concession stand. Expect to stand in line for about 20 minutes just to get to the trail and to spend another 30 minutes inside the forest. The cornmaze generally has a shorter wait, but the event itself is longer, sometimes taking almost an hour for some groups to make it out of the corn.

Field of Screams will run until Oct. 31 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is open from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the Haunted Trail are $10. Cornmaze of Mayhem and Kiddie Playland tickets are $5.

For more information, visit the Olney Boys and Girls Communication Association.