Haunt Rater Magazine July/August Issue | Page 6

Q: What year did the Bates Motel begin?

A: Our Haunted Hayride opened in 1991. We added the Bates Motel

haunted house in 1996 and our haunted corn trail in 2000.

Q: What was it like the first year you started?

A: The first year was very low key, and included mostly actor driven

scares. I remember we used kerosene lanterns for lighting, and milk

jugs with candles along the trail. It was really a social experience with

friends and family. We were open only 5 nights and Halloween night

was a complete bust. We did cover expenses but I was the only person

who didn’t get paid!

Q: How many years has the Bates Motel been in operation?

A: This will be our 24th season!

Q: What year did you begin with Pennhurst Asylum?

A: Pennhurst opened in 2010. We had two attractions and only 3 months to get them up and running.