New haunted house makes Ocean City scream

The cheerful sounds of kernels popping, children laughing and waves crashing against the shore have filled the streets of Ocean City for years.

But thanks to a new attraction, the noises downtown have gotten a lot more sinister.

From realistic-looking zombies to torture chamber rooms, Ocean City Screams Haunted House has it all.

The haunt depicts one twisted scene after another, telling the tale of a ship lost at sea — stuck somewhere between the living and the dead. The one-of-a-kind attraction, which is quickly becoming known as one of the scariest in the state, features two floors of scream-worthy surprises and more than 100 pieces of animation.

"It's pretty terrifying," said Ellen Lemberger, Ocean City Screams' project and talent manager. "Many people struggle to make it all the way through."

The haunted house was designed and built by Steelhead Events and Productions, a company who began frightening people more than 16 years ago.

What began back then as a small Halloween fundraiser, she said, has grown exponentially to include the widely popular Field of Screams attraction in Olney, Maryland, Scream City in Washington D.C., and now, Ocean City Screams. The company has also been recognized by A&E Network as the Best Haunt Designer and Builder in the United States.

Lemberger began her career with Steelhead nearly two decades ago in Olney, were she worked the concession stand at Field of Screams. For weeks, she refused to partake in the haunted ride, but eventually gave in, and loved it.

"One thing led to another," she said, smiling.

Lemberger no longer hands out the french fries, but instead, hand selects the actors and actresses for each location. It takes her months to audition and hire the right team. And although her position is now considered to be more of "behind the scenes" work, Lemberger has been known to slip on a mask and lurk in the shadows from time to time.

"I've gotten good at freaking people out," she said.

Michelle Clauser is among the dozens of people hired to work at Ocean City Screams.

When she's on duty, she is one of the ship's commanders, covered from head to toe in dried blood and fleshy gashes. A pair of spooky, white contact lenses complete her look.

"Sometimes I forget, and I almost scream myself when I look in the mirror," she said. "It's funny — I've never been one for scary movies, but this is awesome."

Ocean City Screams is open to the public every evening from 6-11 p.m.

Although many have backed out from fright, some as young as 5-years-old have made it through successfully.

"We'll take any age — there is no deadline on fear," said Carlton Meyer, Ocean City Screams' manager.

Meyer, a longtime friend of the owners of Steelhead, began volunteering with the company three years ago.

When the opportunity to work full-time in Ocean City presented itself, he couldn't resist. Although his position mainly involves hyping up the guests and ensuring everything runs smoothly, like Lembeger, Meyer has been known to hide in the darkness and jump out at an unsuspecting soul.

"This is the best job," he said. "I honestly enjoy what I do. And even though people are usually screaming, they are enjoying themselves too. How many people get to say they make other people happy for a living?"

Barbecue and wine? New bill will make it possible

Major entertainment venue coming to Lewes

On Twitter @hcarroll_1 and Facebook at Facebook.com/byhannahcarroll

On Instagram @thesassy_banana

302-537-1881, ext. 207

Ocean City Screams

Where: 14 Worcester St, Ocean City

When: 6-11 p.m. daily

Call: 888-720-1112

Visit: ocscreams.com