With Independence Day now past, those who love Halloween are already gearing up for spooky season. This means putting together costumes, planning decorations and most importantly, seeking out the best-haunted attractions. Because of ongoing concerns related to the pandemic, haunted houses were almost non-existent in 2020. Many made the difficult decision to close for the season, including Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm located in Lewisburg. However, the farm will be opening on October 1 with more scares than ever before.
According to Berkley Miller, who manages Miller’s Nightmare, this year will be bigger and completely different.
Miller said, “The entire layout of Miller Manor will be different.” He also said, “We added another 2,000 square foot indoor structure, The Basement.” He noted that The Basement will add “a totally new element of fear.” In addition to a new layout for the Manor and a new structure, Miller said that the Infected Crop and Demented Forest will also be different.
Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm had humble beginnings as a fall corn maze with a small Halloween event that took place at the end of October. However, Miller said, “I wanted to focus on the Halloween aspect only, thus Miller’s Nightmare was born.” He went on to say, “We combined our love for agriculture, fall and Halloween.” When asked what his favorite element of the haunted attraction is, Miller stated, “Probably the atmosphere.. with all the sounds, (music, screams, chainsaws, laughs), smells (bonfire, fair food) and sights, it really brews up an ecstatic atmosphere.”
The manor, basement, crop and forest are all filled with actors set to create the perfect scares as participants tour the area. Miller said they aim to have between 40 and 50 actors/actresses as well as 10 to 15 other positions such as security, ticket sellers, etc. He also said anyone interested in working at Miller’s Nightmare can begin reaching now to be placed on the actors’ list, “it’s great fun and easy money to be made.” To inquire, send an email to millersnightmare@hotmail.com. There is also a contact form on the website at www.millersnightmare.com/contact.
This haunted attraction is not the everyday, run of the mill haunted house. Miller said, “We are not your basic haunted house/attraction. We work year-round to build and improve upon the year before to try and provide the best October experience you can get.” He also said, “…if you like being scared, people are welcome to just come, eat, and sit by the bonfire.”
While waiting for the tour, there are several fun activities to keep patrons occupied. There is a themed Escape Room, Halloween games, a bonfire and tons of freshly made concessions as well as music. Food options include fresh-cut fries, burgers, pizza, hand-dipped corn dogs, ribbon fries and cheesesteaks. For anyone with a sweet tooth, there are s’mores, hot donuts and funnel cakes. Butterbeer and hot chocolate are also available.
Tickets are $17 per person or $30 for a FastPass. The FastPass allows for the purchase or redeeming of tickets in the FastPass booth. This allows the ticket holder to skip all lines except for those for food and games. Tickets are available to purchase in advance online; however, children’s tickets must be purchased at the farm. Children under the age of five get free admittance “Kudos to the brave child!” The prices for food and games vary. The cost for the mini escape game is $4. The sale of tickets in person begins at 6:30 p.m. on open days and concludes at 10 p.m. According to the Miller’s Nightmare website “All patrons on-site by 10:00 will be allowed admittance.”
The attraction will be open on October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. For more information, visit www.millersnightmare.com or send an email to millersnightmare@hotmail.com.
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