05/20/2025
Total Terror Haunted Attraction, located in Powhatan, VA, is a small haunt with a big personality. Calling it a small haunt might be better described as a "local haunt," and I mean that in every sense. The owners, Chip and Wendy, are down-to-earth and treat their staff and actors like family rather than employees. Chip creates most of the haunt's inventory, from props to masks, adding a personal touch that can’t be replicated by mass-produced items. Wendy’s warm and inviting attention to every customer makes you feel welcome... that is, until the shrill screams of patrons who came before you pierce the air, only to be drowned out by the roar of a chainsaw.
Team Nosferator attended their annual “Halfway to Halloween” event, which is held alongside the Powhatan County Fair. They call it "The Carnival of Terror." This is a shortened version of the haunt, omitting the corn maze.
Finding the entrance was easy, especially with the demented clowns “calming” the nervous customers waiting to buy tickets. After the ticket booth, we made our way to the entrance, where we were met by a large clown statue — one that made you wonder whether to laugh or keep your distance. The staff member went over a few rules before letting us in, ensuring there was plenty of space between groups to prevent bunching up.
Once inside, we navigated through twisting corridors that led to various rooms filled with eerie decor, setting the stage for, well… clowns. There were a lot of clowns, they appeared from everywhere, down low, up high, behind objects, and from places you least expected. Every new area brought a jump scare, a random scream, or a loud bang. The actors’ enthusiasm and energy kept us on our toes and alert. Each actor nailed their scene with precision, keeping up their creepy banter until we entered the next area full of “special” surprises. Before it was all over, we had to make a dash for safety, chased by a clown wielding, you guessed it, a chainsaw.
When we exited, we were just like everyone else, with smiles on our faces and laughing. My only question is: what do you call a group of clowns? A flock? A gaggle? A murder? The only thing I know for certain is that they all gather at Total Terror.
