The opening of the Halloween attraction comes amid an increase in "creepy clown" sightings and threats
ALEXANDRIA -- Every weekend this month, clowns will be roaming a 125-acre farm in Hunterdon County, lurking in the shadows and scaring people as they make their way through a cornfield and forest.
But the costumed actors are not out to do harm or cause unnecessary alarm. They're part of a new haunted attraction, "NJ Clown Farm."
Despite the timing -- its opening comes amid a rash of reports in a number of states of "creepy clown" sightings and threats -- the attraction has been in the works for three years.
It's still too early to tell if the hysteria surrounding the clowns will help or hurt business, but Joe Burger wants to reassure the public that they're not trying to terrorize people with a publicity stunt.
"We're not trying to scare or spook anyone to that level," he said. "It's a controlled secure environment where people can come experience the clowns."
NJ Clown Farm made its debut over the weekend, drawing a crowd of 200-plus even with the damp weather. The attraction lasts about two hours and includes a hayride and a walk through a corn maze and wooded trail with costumed clowns and special effects.
For Burger, who owns Sharper Image Lawn Care, the idea first came about three years ago.
"I already own the farm so I have tractors, I have wagons, I have fields and ... after visiting other attractions, I thought I could make mine a little bit better and something that's unique," he said.
He said that clowns, unlike other haunted houses that feature characters like zombies and witches, give guests a more realistic experience.
"Everyone knows zombies aren't real," Burger said. "But clowns are real. People dress up as clowns as we're seeing. You know it's a person with makeup or costume. It gives it that dynamic real effect versus a witch or zombie."
A fall 2016 opening was planned long before the first reports surfaced in late August in South Carolina with stories that clowns were trying to lure children into the woods with money.
Burger planted the cornfield last spring and, over the past year, designed it and figured out what would or wouldn't work.
As clown sightings and threats multiplied and moved closer to home, Burger paid a visit to the State Police's Kingwood barracks and described his plans, giving them permission to inspect the attraction.
"They were fine with it," he said. "I haven't had any phone calls or issues. We nipped it in the bud ahead of time."
Burger said they are also taking steps to prevent any outside threats, including making sure that nobody comes in already dressed as a clown.
"Everyone (the volunteer actors) has to get ready in front of us so we can identify who's who to their outfit and persona and what spot they're going to be on the tour," he said.
Some friends of his who are retired police officers are also part of the security team, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Burger said the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive -- both over the weekend and when the clowns have made appearances at community events and other places to spread the word.
"If we're able to walk through the mall and security doesn't kick us out, we're not doing anything bad," Burger said.
The attraction is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is $30 at the door. There is a $5 coupon available online at njclownfarm.com.
The farm is located at 297 County Road 513, Frenchtown.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.