Lancaster County haunted attraction confirms zero state violations following unannounced Department of Labor and Industry site visits, advances proactive compliance framework aligned with new Pennsylvania safety standards
MOUNTVILLE, PA / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2026 / Field of Screams, central Pennsylvania’s premier haunted attraction and one of the most recognized seasonal entertainment destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, today reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and operational transparency as the company prepares for its 2026 fall season at its Mountville, Lancaster County location.
The reaffirmation follows multiple unannounced site inspections conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry during the 2025 operating season. According to public statements from the agency, inspectors visited the Mountville property in September and October 2025 and identified no violations of the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act. State officials confirmed the findings on record.
“Safety has never been just a checklist for us. It is the foundation of how we operate,” said Jim Schopf, owner of Field of Screams. “Generations of families in Lancaster County, across central Pennsylvania, and the surrounding states have trusted us for over 30 years. That trust is built on a culture where every staff member, every volunteer, and every guest is protected by standards that meet or exceed what the state requires.”
A Three-Decade Safety Track Record in Mountville
Founded in 1993 and operated by the Schopf family, Field of Screams has welcomed millions of visitors to its Mountville campus and built a reputation as one of the most awarded haunted attractions in the United States. The company employs and partners with hundreds of seasonal staff, performers, and community volunteers each fall, and maintains internal protocols covering staff training, site safety, performer welfare, and guest experience.
Field of Screams operates under federal and state seasonal recreational exemptions, and the company holds state permits for every minor in its performance program. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s 2025 inspection findings, on record and publicly available, document a clean compliance record across multiple unannounced visits.
Aligned With Pennsylvania’s New Statewide Safety Framework
In March 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry announced an expanded statewide framework requiring all haunted attractions operating in the Commonwealth to submit a state-approved safety plan covering background checks, training, hazard identification, and reporting protocols. The agency held an informational webinar in April 2026, with enforcement beginning May 1, 2026.
Field of Screams welcomes the new framework and has been operating under internal policies that align with its core requirements for years, including:
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Comprehensive background screening for adult staff who interact with minor performers
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Workplace safety training covering hazard awareness, guest interaction protocols, and emergency procedures
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Anti-harassment and abuse prevention training for all personnel
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Documented reporting mechanisms for any staff or volunteer concern
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Risk identification and review across all attractions and operational areas
“Pennsylvania now has one of the most rigorous haunted attraction safety frameworks in the country, and that is a positive development for our industry, our guests, and the families who entrust us with their children,” said Christine Eshleman, a member of the Field of Screams operations leadership team. “We have always operated as if those standards were already in place. The new framework simply gives the entire industry a level we have been holding ourselves to for years.”
Spring Event Calendar and 2026 Fall Season
Field of Screams continues to expand its year-round programming at the Mountville campus, with family-focused spring events drawing strong attendance from across Lancaster County and the surrounding region. The recent Halfway to Halloween weekend event generated significant local interest, and the company’s upcoming Baby Animal Festival, held by its affiliated company Corn Cob Acres, is on track for one of its strongest attendance figures to date.
The 2026 fall season, the company’s flagship operating window, will open on September 11, 2026. Field of Screams will return with its four signature attractions, expanded performer programming, and updated guest safety enhancements at its Mountville Lancaster County campus.
About Field of Screams
Field of Screams is a family-owned haunted attraction located in Mountville, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It is the original, one and only, authentic Field of Screams attraction. Founded in 1993 by the Schopf family, the attraction has been recognized as one of the top haunted attractions in the United States by numerous industry publications and consumer rankings. Field of Screams operates four signature attractions during its fall season and hosts year-round family events at its Mountville campus and affiliated business, Corn Cob Acres. The company is committed to delivering world-class entertainment under the highest standards of safety, compliance, and community engagement.
For more information, visit www.fieldofscreams.com.
Media Contact:
Field of Screams
Mountville, Pennsylvania
press@fieldofscreams.com
SOURCE: Field of Screams
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
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