S.C.R.E.A.M: Inside the Making of Montana’s Field of Screams

There are actually a couple of specific events that indicate when fall begins in western Montana. Fall hunting season takes over MANY of my weekends. My hoodies are needed early enough in the morning that I now regret leaving the house without them. And my family plans the annual Field of Screams outing in Victor.

My family has gone to Field of Screams for many years, and in some way the Kirklands continue to expand and improve the area and scare factor each year.

They Spend Nearly a Year Getting Ready to Scare Us

While Field of Screams has developed into a traditional Halloween event in the Bitterroot Valley, most people do not understand the amount of effort that is put into creating such an experience. Recently, I came across their new S.C.R.E.A.M Video, showing behind-the-scenes footage of their first day of operations. What really stood out to me was that they stated they began making preparations for this year by November 1st of last Year.

S.C.R.E.A.M/YouTube

This video also shows some of the preparation that scare actors go through before opening night. They are working on developing their movements, facial expressions, and ability to improvise, as well as learning how to create fear. Apparently, simply jumping out from behind a wall and shouting "BOO!" is no longer enough.

And Then There's the Montana Weather

Regardless of how long you plan ahead for a haunted attraction, you cannot avoid dealing with Montana weather. In the video, one of their main concerns for opening night wasn't whether the monsters would be scary enough; it was the weather. The rain, and possibly even snow, could ruin an entire night when trying to operate a large outdoor attraction. Fortunately, it appears opening night went very well.

S.C.R.E.A.M/YouTube

One of my favorite scenes from the video is about a scare actor who scared a man so badly that he ran away from him through the corn while he was still holding his girlfriend's hand. She fell down, and he continued to run. Essentially dragging her through the cornfield. That is a perfect example of true love...dragging your girlfriend through the cornfield because something growled at you.

Your Chance to Experience Field of Screams

Also, coming up soon on 96.3 the Blaze, we will be helping some lucky listeners visit Field of Screams for free this Halloween. As part of our show promotion called Dead or Alive, we will provide a cue to call via our mobile app. If you get through to us during this time, we will tell you the names of three celebrities. You will need to tell us if each celebrity is either dead or alive. If you answer correctly all 3 correctly you will receive a four-pack of tickets to Field of Screams.

So download the 96.3 The Blaze app, make sure your alerts are turned on and keep an eye on your phone.

Then you can take the whole family to Victor and find out which one of you will abandon everybody else and sprint directly into the corn.