It’s a crisp October night and fervent observers encircle a luminescent bonfire. It casts its light on a hodgepodge of a crowd. The brave and the anxious stand side by side, all eagerly awaiting the night wagon that will lead them to the impending haunt. The air is filled with the sounds of elated chatter and the crackling of embers. The arriving shuttle welcomes its passengers aboard and brings a dwindling halt to the jubilant clatter as it creeps away into the night to dispose of its passengers at the haunted corn field and demented forest. Now separated from the audible festivities, excited whispers and nervous shifting begin to fill the void as the night wagon plunges deeper and deeper into the darkness of the countryside. There is no turning back. The shuttle veers off the narrow road and approaches an unassuming destination in the middle of a field. The collective stifling of breath and shift in mood is almost palpable as the passengers step off and inch their way on foot even further into darkness to begin the journey into the depths of Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm.

Ladies and gentlemen, hurry, hurry! Step right up to the marvel and mystery of the 2017 Freak Circus at Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm. Carnival games, clowns, and freaks collide at this fearfully fantastic haunted attraction. New thrills are in store for this year’s haunt to keep the ever-growing crowds on their toes. In addition to the 2017 Freak Circus theme, Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm will also boast a new mini escape room for daring groups of 4. Test your puzzle and riddle solving skills under the timed pressure of a maniacally murderous clown as every second ticks away and counts down to potential doom. If sinking hoops with severed heads or shooting spinning, wheel-bound bodies in a round of archery happen to be your specialty, you can try your hand at the Headshot and Deadshot games for a chance to win one of three Amazon Dot prizes or the 49 inch Samsung Smart TV grand prize. Performers, novelties, and concessions are abound with featured offerings of hand-tossed pizzas, funnel cakes, ribbon fries, hot butterbeer, s’mores, and more! Whether you prefer the safety of huddling around the nightly bonfire or whether you dare to venture into the infected corn crop and demented forest, there truly is entertainment for everyone at the haunted farm.

What started as a seasonal corn maze with some added scares on the week of Halloween has now grown into a multi-weekend, must-do activity for the fall season in southern West Virginia. It is the thrill of the haunt and the adrenaline from the pleased crowds that fuel the success and continuation of Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm.

Owner Berkley Miller is now overseeing its fourth official year of operation, stating, “Inspiration for the farm comes from our sheer love of the Halloween season and being able to do something unique for the community.” Although situated off the beaten path on his family’s farm outside of Lewisburg, WV, the rural location has not stopped spectators from seeking out new frights each year. With a growing production, Miller has found a way to gain volunteers and give back to the community by making donations to local organizations that sign on to help out at the event. Whether a volunteer or a visitor, haunter or the haunted, the experience is one of thrills and excitement for all.

The freaks will come out on Friday, October 13th to kick off the opening night of Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm and will continue on the 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th, and the 31st to finish off the haunting season. Gates open at 6:30pm each night. Those wishing to brave the haunted attraction may purchase tickets on site until 10pm each night or online. Ticket prices are $13 per person or $25 for VIP tickets to skip the wait. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.millersnightmare.com. Don’t miss out on this wickedly good, freakishly frightening time at Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm. Happy haunting! For more info, visit: millersnightmre.com

– Jennifer Sprouse. HashtagWV #94. October 2017