“Zombies, vampires, clowns — oh my! It’s that time of year again, where monsters roam the earth stalking their human prey.

“These fiends can be found lurking everywhere from Fields of Screams in Mountville to Jason’s Woods in Lancaster to Shocktoberfest in Sinking Spring. What makes a good monster haven? A detailed backstory, talented actors and scores of special effects.

Clockwise from left…. Mr. Field of Screams(The Goblin Mayor), Letch Jr., Willie Burnam(straw hat), Sally Simmons, and Jack(center) …All characters that you can meet at Field of Screams in Lancaster. 09/24/2012 SEAN SIMMERS, THE PATRIOT-NEWS

“With that in mind, here are just some of the terrifying denizens of Field of Screams. But be warned that they don’t take kindly to strangers.

“JACK

“When the clown-faced Jack talks, he does so in a gruff voice that hinges on a purr when he’s describing what he loves most — killing. Growing up, Jack was obsessed with the circus but he was never able to visit — his parents were too poor to afford tickets. But Jack wouldn’t take no for answer and snuck in. ‘I just couldn’t resist the lure of the lights,’ he said.

“He was caught instead by the carneys, kidnapped and forced into being a clown.

“As he grew older, his rage grew, too, until one day he snapped, broke free of the circus and killed the carnival man who kidnapped him in the first place. Sentimental, Jack stitched his kidnappers face onto his own.

“After seeing a flier for Field of Screams, he knew it was the place for people like him. A place where his ruthlessness would be appreciated.

“Murder count: ‘I ran out of fingers and digits. It’s way up there.’

“Find him at the Entertainment Area.

“LETCH JR.

“In a voice reminiscent of Christian Bale’s Batman growl, Letch Jr. shared his tale. After his mother died in a freak car accident, Letch. was raised by his dad, who he idolizes. His father, as it turns out, runs a saw mill that chops people up instead of wood. One day, Letch was allowed to help with the work.”

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