New Additions Lead to Increased Interest in Field of Screams

by Allie Strosnider ’12 and Abby Inwood ’13

Because of the many changes made in the Olney Boys and Girls Club’s (OBGC) Field of Screams, attendance has been greater than ever. Although exact numbers will not be available until after Field of Screams ends, attendance records have broken on several nights.

The main reason the event has grown so much is because of positive word of mouth. Many costumers and volunteers return year after year. “They [the return customers] are always eager to see what new thrills we’ve created.  This year we expanded our online presence by offering Groupons[tickets offered through the website Groupon at a discount], online ticketing and a “Field of Screams Maryland” Facebook page where we run contests for free tickets, all of which have contributed to higher attendance,” said Executive Director of Field of Screams Elisabeth Deal.

Marketing and pricing are not the only things that have changed there have also been two new attractions added. The most notable change is a new barn that was built to house Lusion Manor, a large haunted house. “It’s a lot scarier this year than the others. We have a professional make-up artist that does all of our costumes and he taught the other volunteers on how to put the makeup on. Plus, all lot of the rides have been remodeled, like the haunted house, the trail and the haunted hayride. Its way scarier and more thought out than last year. I think older kids and adults will love it,” said junior Krista Oland, who volunteers at Field of Screams.

In addition to the new haunted house, OBGC has built a new concession stand. While in previous years concessions were sold from under a large tent, this new structure fits the theme of Field of Screams and is much more decorative and festive than a plain white tent.

Field of Screams also has a new ticketing system. Patrons now receive a card upon purchase with all the attractions they paid for listed along the bottom. Once the attraction has been visited a hole is punched so the person cannot use the same card twice for the same activity. If a ticket is purchased online a new option is offered on these passes called “Tasty Concessions Pass”. When presented at the concession stand the pass can be used to buy $10 of concessions. However, if the card is used to purchase less than $10 the customer will not be given any money for the remaining balance.