One of the area’s most thrilling seasonal attractions has made its return in time for the spooky season. The Scullville Volunteer Fire Company’s Terror in the Junkyard is now open and ready to bring spooktacular screams and chills to all who visit. Our cameras were there to check out the attraction and see some of the brand-new features on opening night.
Prior to opening, hard-working volunteers begin to make their arrival, as makeup artists behind the scenes transform humans into haunted characters. On any given night, thousands line up at the gate to purchase their tickets and are immediately introduced to clowns, ghouls, and ghosts upon entry.
The Haunted Hayride is arguably one of the most popular attractions, where visitors take a ride through the dark woods of Scullville. In the depths of the junkyard, an array of zombies, clowns, and popular characters awaits. You never know who may jump on board. One walk through the Maze of Terror will have you peeking your head around every corner, where new frights await.
Several new features have been added to this year’s attractions, so returning guests will have a completely different experience than the previous years. Vernon Cruse, Chief of the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company, described the atmosphere prior to opening night. “You can feel the energy in the air. I refer to it as a giant ball, pushing it up the hill,” he said.
Since its inception over twenty years ago, Terror in the Junkyard has quickly become the largest annual fundraiser for the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company. More than 50 volunteers, made up of firefighters, groups, organizations, and the Ladies Auxiliary, support the entire event from start to finish. This year, several organizations have stepped in, including the Egg Harbor Township Crew Boosters and Scouts of America, EHT Police Explorers, and Somers Point Volunteer Fire Company Stations One and Two.
“It truly is a group effort,” Cruse said. “If it wasn’t for all the support that we got, not only from our members but also surrounding organizations, it would be much more difficult to be where we are today.”
The concept of Terror in the Junkyard came from a fellow Scullville firefighter, who, while on honeymoon, drew his inspiration from a Halloween event at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. “We were out in the market looking for a fundraiser to replace the one that we had, and he threw it out on the floor one day in a meeting, and it kind of grew,” Cruse describes.
The funds that are raised from the event go back into purchasing much-needed fire and rescue equipment, and to ensure the Fire Company’s mission to protect the lives and property of visitors and the community in Egg Harbor Township.
The event also honors local firefighter Eric Jones, a member of the Somers Point Volunteer Fire Company 1, who passed away in 2022. Jones is honored by a green tractor that he drove while volunteering at the Junkyard. An on-site memorial thanks Jones for his many years of service and dedication.
Terror in the Junkyard is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 – 10 p.m. and Sundays from 7 – 9 p.m. at Fleming’s Junkyard, 353 Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township. Tickets for the hayride are $15 per person, and individual maze tickets cost $10. You can also purchase a combo ticket for $20. Military and first responders receive a $2 discount.
The company is also hosting a Sensory Friendly Hayride for families and individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Designed entirely with sensory needs in mind, the hayride will be free of loud noises, pop-outs, and long lines. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Purchase your tickets at the gate or online at www.scullvillefire.org/hayride. For daily updates, including times and weather-related information, call 609-927-2588 and press option 3.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
