'03 was our first attempt at a "walk-through" attraction, as opposed to our usual "walk-up". Unfortunately, our venue just doesn't lend itself to a walk-though, as there's really only one way into and out of the property. It worked okay, but we've already decided to return to a walk-up type of show for 2004. We are going to expand our layout a bit by doing our main show in the backyard, with only the cemetery and thunderstorm in the front yard to attract attention.
Setup was completed just before nightfall (as usual!) and we received a steady stream of trick-or-treaters. Unfortunately for us, it had been threatening to rain for most of the day. We started to get a little drizzle around 7:30pm, but at almost exactly 8:45pm the real downpour started. By a few minutes past 9pm, our electrics were starting to short out and the trick-or-treaters dispersed and sought shelter.
Unfortunate for us, yes. However, we didn't let it get us down - the rain was a welcomed relief for those effected by the devastating California wildfires. Our total count for the night was about 250 trick-or-treaters (not including parents, chaperones, and kids who chickened out and kept to the sidewalk). Also, we made a last minute decision to take up a collection for the Southern California Red Cross Fire Relief Fund, and raised about $200. Some photos of the evenings highlights follow:
One of our best set pieces is a huge gothic archway.
Here it is in finished form with bowls of fire blazing and a creepy demon head looking down on the kids. Trick or treators had to reach through the holes and hope they got a treat and not a trick!
This set piece is made of two "IKEA" type cabinets topped by a plywood facade header. The cabinets are very heavy, but provide stability. The facade is covered in styrofoam carved with spraypaint.
One of the CastleCrew Minions sits behind the scenes and hands out pre-packed treat bags. Next year, we want to add some "cold-spaghetti" type scares for the older kids who stick their hands through the curtain.
We have used several types of tombstones to create our cemetery. We cut some out of styrofoam and "carved" with spraypaint. Others are made of plywood and decorated with plaster cast decorations. The plywood tombstones shown below have plastic letters glued on to them and some of the design work is cut in with a router.
Here is the current look of the cemetery from Halloween 2003. The large Celtic cross was bought pre-made and has been bolted to the top of a large subwoofer that booms out the thunder noise.
We are very proud of the high-tech sound system that powers the Thunderstorm display. We have occasional real rain on Halloween so we establish a command tent behind the scenes to keep delicate electronics under cover. This year we also wised up and packed everything in see-through stackable boxes. Set up should be smoother next year.
