Sunday, October 28, 2007 7:30pm

The lack of space for parking didn’t stop the masses from arriving at the Schmitt farm as soon as the gates opened at 7:00pm. Accompanied by friends, we made our way to the forming line to purchase our combo tickets (that includes the haunted house & corn maze). It was a good hour before we made it to the ticket stand, but it didn’t seem like an hour with ongoing conversation and some side entertainment. While creeping up the line, the Ghost Busters theme song faintly grew nearer, forcing the crowd to turn out of curiosity. A Honda Element drove up, all decked out in the Ghost Buster décor with three young men dressed in costumes as Peter, Egon, & Raymond (for those of you 1984 movie buffs). The three played their parts well, letting the costumers take pictures and join in on the ghostly fun.

Once we made it to the haunted mansion, there was more standing in line for about 30 minutes. But when the time finally arrived it was fortunately worth the wait. The key to a good haunted house is the spook factor. Anyone can put on a scary mask, but how you utilize the costume is what counts. And for the Schmitt haunted mansion, they had this part perfected. Without ruining the surprise, I will simply say the illusion rooms were my favorite. One room’s illusions literally made you feel like you were doing cartwheels, while in reality you’re holding onto the railings to walk straight. But my most favorite illusion was the checkered room. Check it out. There’s no explaining what it does to your eyes and sensory reactions.

After the mansion, we made our way to the haunted corn maze. There was another wait, but it only took about 10 minutes. The best part of the maze was the 8-foot tall corn and the ¾ harvest moon sitting on the tips of the corn ears, which gave the extra spookiness it needed. The beginning of the maze was what was to be expected. We continued to be startled by the people hiding in the dark behind the corn. Most had chainsaws (without the blades) and others had costumes that camouflaged them. Unfortunately there was some disappointment towards the end of the corn maze when the young employees decided that socializing and taking smoke breaks (while still dressed in their costumes) was more important than scaring the guests that paid $20 a person to be entertained.

However, at the end of the night it seemed to all of us that it was still worth our time and money to partake in a little Halloween tradition at the farm.

The farm also offers children’s events and pumpkin picking. Next year be sure to join in on the Halloween festivities at the Schmitt’s Family Farm.