DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette A huge demonic display are lit by flashing lights at the Pennsdale Haunted Barn and are part of the annual barn attraction has been an event since 2010 and features not only static decorations but a mix of lights and music to scare visitors.

A spooktacular time is in store for all as the Pennsdale Haunted barn returns for its 15th year of serving up thrills and chills.

The event serves as a major fundraiser for the Pennsdale Volunteer Fire Company, according to new co-chair Kristina Bitler.

“Probably six years ago, my daughter and I were asked to help out in one of the rooms because it was empty and they needed somebody in it, and I was like, ‘sure, we’ll come in and help you guys out,” Bitler explained.

“After that, my daughter decided she wanted to join the fire company as a junior member, and I originally joined as a social member just so I could help out with the barn, because I had so much fun and I love Halloween,” she said.

After the previous co-chair stepped down, Bitler was approached about taking the spot.

“I have a good relationship with all the theater students, cause I’m the president of the booster club, and I’m really good friends with their director. So it just made sense,” she said.

The idea for the haunt originated in 2010 when the ladies auxiliary decided to have a Halloween party.

“After getting ready for the party, we thought opening a haunted house would be a fun way to raise money for the fire company so we started planning,” Bitler explained.

“The first two years were held in the downstairs of the Firehall then moved to the barn when we decided we wanted to expand and make use of the barn on the grounds,” Bitler explained.

Attracting between 2,500 and 3,000 attendees each year, the event raises around $25,000, after expenditures are accounted for.

Animatronics are a feature of the barn, however, the bulk of the scares come from actors.

“We partner with the Hughesville Theater Club, and most of my actors are theater students, and we do have some actor training that we go over,” Bitler said of the minimal touch walk-through.

“They have a blast. And I love that they’re there, because they do so well. Honestly, I don’t think I could run the barn without them,” she said, calling it a “great partnership.”

Many of the actors, especially those returning year after year, or those who have worked on a specific scene or room get some say in which areas they’re assigned to, Bitler said.

“If you come and help over the summer and you’re helping in one specific room, or it’s your idea that we’re working on, I’m obviously going to put you in that in that room, but most of them have been with us for a long time, and they have rooms that they they absolutely love and enjoy,” she said.

The actors helm several scenes within the barn, including a butcher area, a scary bathroom and a biohazard room.

This year’s haunt will see several new additions, including a headless horseman, a tall skeleton and photo opportunities with the Haunted Barn hearse and more.

“One of our junior members made a sign for the barn, and we have some little homemade creatures and ghouls sitting beside that,” Bitler said.

“We also did some remodeling over the summer. So there’s some new rooms that haven’t been seen yet,” she added.

Several food trucks and vendors will set up shop outside the barn as well, including Happy Family BBQ, Grindhead Coffee, Subhouse Subs. Braceface Candy, the Muncy Lion’s Club, Outlast Softball, Cookin’ from the Heart and Horr’s Hot Dogs.

In addition to general admission, a VIP line is available, at an increased price, for quicker entry into the barn.

“The line’s not usually as long. So there’s an advantage to the little bit more in cost,” Bitler said.

The Pennsdale Haunted Barn is the perfect place for anyone who loves Halloween, according to Bitler.

“We really have something for everybody. If you like to be scared, the barn is the place for you. If you don’t like to be scared, we have the bonfire, we have the food trucks and the picture opportunities,” she said.

“You really could potentially make it a family affair. We always say that it’s at your discretion for your children, but we’ve definitely had various ages of children in the barn. Some of them love it, some of them don’t,” Bitler said.

“For us, it’s about coming out during Halloween time, having a good scare and obviously, in the end, it’s to support the fire company,” she said.

More information on the Pennsdale Haunted Barn can be found at their website at www.pennsdalehauntedbarn.com, as well as on their Facebook and Instagram pages.