Welcome to
As with every year before, haunt construction commenced weeks before opening night.
Webster, Florida's old tennis court begins the transformation process with a concealing
layer of landscape fabric. The ten foot chain link fence provides the structural support
for the haunt's outer skin.
Maze construction begins with the plan... how many rooms? how big? which order?
After settling on a plan, 8 by 8 foot wall panels are set out, erected, fastened to each other
and braced accordingly.
Roof material is stretched across individual rooms and hallways,
and then the fun begins. The haunt facade is installed the week before opening.
Neighborhood children occasionally gather around the tennis court in hopes of catching
a glimpse of the wonderful ugliness waiting for them on the inside.
The facade was erected later in the season.
The effects of age and weather are beginning
to affect the plywood face.
Still, there isn't too much a good lighting plan won't fix.
Same position, different colors.
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The Un-Welcome Center
Same scene, before and after the lights went out.
Directly next to the sign displaying the haunt rules,
visitors are asked to sit on the bench. After a quick briefing and
a sudden startle, group leaders take guests through the Hinton
Haunted House 2003.
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The Graveyard
The graveyard scene for 2003 was designed as a
static-only room. Of course, there's ample opportunity
for actors to sit in as they see fit.
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Winged Beast
Rigged with a clever rope and pulley configuration,
this prop would swoop down towards visitors to the haunt.
(Big prop, big scare!)
Like a twisted kitchen, the operators of this scene
created a butcher shop environment with some great unsettling
results. The actors (not shown) added a unique "human" touch to this scene.
Distraction and startle props finished things perfectly.
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The Back Porch
Distraction props lead guest's eyes towards the static
display at the back of the room.
When triggered, the ghouls pop up with a blast
of fog and bright red lights.
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Guillotine
One of the many embellishments of the first torture room,
which featured a guillotine scene.
The working guillotine releases a linkage that sets the prop head in motion.
It is tethered to the prop and stops just short of passers-by.
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The Electric Chair
A prop body sits in the electric chair as visitors enter the room.
The prop torso lunges forward towards guests.
A strobe light adds to the effect.
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Deep Woods
Native Palmetto were cut and used as set decoration.
Enter the man with the chainsaw, exit all trespassers.
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Road Rage 101
With the lights on, you can clearly see the truck.
Luckily for our guests, the lights won't be on.
The hallway is almost totally dark as guests attempt to exit the haunt.
The lights begin burning, the air horn blasts, and the truck
breaks through the barrier heading directly towards the group.
Breathe a sigh of relief,
you made it all the way through!
(There were some that didn't)
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Misc. Photos
The dummy made a return visit to the '03 haunt.
hidden behind a strand-doorway, he gets nearly everyone!
This static prop was illuminated with a faux flame unit.
She occupied an otherwise empty corner in the maze.
There's no such thing as wasted scaring opportunity in the
Hinton Haunted House.
Long hallways provide prime
"behind the scenes sneak attack" potential.
The camera reveals a little truth about Joe.
(until now, it was only RUMORED that he could fly.)
We had a great turnout again this year!
Many thanks to the many people that support this event every year ...
The guests that attend faithfully and wait patiently in line.
The fine City of Webster for their continued support.
Webster Police Department for their presence and assistance.
All of the exceptional volunteers:
the work crews that help with construction and disassembly,
the help in and around the concession stand,
the top notch haunters in the hallways,
the walking tour guides,
and everyone behind the scenes - ensuring things run smoothly.
The multi-tasking friends and family who often
perform duties above and beyond all expectations.
Thanks.