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The flying crank ghost is still a thing of wonder on Halloween night. New viewers and veterans alike
appreciate the graceful movements. The Skeleton Marionette was flying just behind the area of the yard where
trick-or-treating took place.
If you are the adventurous candy seeker, or willing chaperone, you'll embark on a stroll around the display.
The first characters visible after the Skeleton Marionette are the Waylighter static prop guarding the porch steps
and 2005's corpse pop up prop. No startles here, just some fun things to help set the mood.
As the display shifts to the lawn area, the graveyard fence is installed to form a definite barrier between things
on display and would-be viewers. For 2006, the yard was heavily dressed with makeshift trees. These trees and
a few tricks were used to break the open lawn area into segmented scenes.
The use of different fabric textures, camouflage netting, sound system placement, fog, and lighting
contributed to the theme.
Around the first corner, the first startle prop would jump into view.
2003's Emerge machine and Ambush character would trigger a bright red pinspot light fixture.
The speed of the prop and the extreme lighting contrast were effective as many people never saw him coming.
Next to the Emerge prop, the SoulSpill character was always visible. A colored (blue) spot light was aimed slightly over his head.
When triggered, he would lift and lunge his arms forward, traveling directly into the path of the light.
SoulSpill was definitely the most effective scare this year. I witnessed a few people moving great distances
in very little time because of this guy.
In the same area as the SoulSpill prop, a new Bucky Skeleton Corpse character
was highlighted in green. He was positioned to the rear of the first big open area of the display, close to the fog machine pipe.
The green prop lighting made him stand out against the cooler blue and purple front lights.
Last years' Bucky corpse was positioned in the center of the display, directly behind the fence. He stood in front of the
graveyard. His placement (as a static prop) led visitors to move in for a closer look.
At the rear of the center area, the Animated Obelisk prop sat among the gravestones.
While people watched the Obelisk runs its course, they were being set up for the next startle.
Immediately following the Obelisk prop, Two more low-lying, fast lifting props were triggered.
2003's Subdued and Lowboy props moved right up to the fence on either side of the static Bucky corpse.
If you were able to watch the Obelisk, you were in the line of fire for this duo.
Around the last corner, this guy was illuminated to attract visitors to move closer.
At one time, he was the Simple Pop-up prop. Now he's a static character and a solid reminder of my
humble beginnings as a prop builder.
At the same display location, the new Bellicose prop was triggered and would run through a programmed show.
Unfortunately, the speed of the prop, the size of the area he covered, and the thick darkness of the location left me without
decent night photos. There is one clear nightshot photo below, but the whole effect is lost without color, strobe lights,
motion and sound. The Bellicose machine was a hit, but would have been more effective if placed better in the display.
Bellicose in motion.
Bucky corpse, left front view.
Bucky corpse and narrow viewing area for the graveyard scene.
Sound and light control.
Pop and Lee, two of this years' big guns.
SoulSpill in action.
Interested in seeing what it all REALLY looked like?
click here for page 2, daylight photos and haunt construction shots.
This year was full of big steps here in Webster.
Instead of simply positioning props, the plan was to build a full display. I hoped to lure people in and make them
want to explore a little. I wanted them to be in specific spots to see certain things ... it's all about the timing!
A great deal of thought went into assembling this display. This was, without a doubt, the most elaborate
haunt ever created here. Therefore, it was also the most time and labor intensive project to date.
I am blessed with a supportive, helpful, and generous family. Without their help, this could not have happened.
Tiffanie, Lee, Pop, And Brian ... thank you for everything.