20/09/2025
As we are neck deep into phase 1 of the yearly haunt installation, I want to share our process that lets us have a manageable, reusable and interesting haunt so that it might assist you with your haunt. Not all phases may match up with your plan, so take away what helps and discard the rest. Happy Haunting to you all and here we go.
Phase 1 is our base layer. The elements of this layer are always the same elements, yes they are updated and replaced as they break down or improvements in DIY methods are discovered or mastered.
The Haunt is anchored by almost 100% DIY items, Large Crypt, Large Coffin, Baby Crypt and head stones and monuments. So our base layer is a Cemetery. Most importantly is that your Phase 1 can withstand the weather, wind, rain and such for over 30 Days. It can be DIY or Purchased, it just has to be something you can build on year to year. We run the base power at this point, keeping in mind to make arrangement for other layer power needs
Your base layer could be what ever you want, but the importance of a solid phase 1 is that you can build on it with almost any changeable theme or built further upon for a richer yet unified haunt.
Phase 2 is Is adding layers to your Phase 1 haunt, this generally just directly follows Phase 1. For us that is ghosts, creepers, skellys and sometimes a large spider web with spiders for impact. Recently a perimeter fence has been added in this phase to keep our haunt safe and secure up until it ultimately keep trick or treaters from getting in the haunt and hurting themselves.
It is at this point we hook up and test our first layer lighting.
Phase 3 is adding our longer standing theme items for the year, the lighting for that is run and it joins the base, blending yet shining in its difference of color or humor. Adding any indoor projections at this point generally occurs along with theme friendly window and door covers. This phase is built and in place until 1 week before Halloween
Phase 4 is basically prepping for stage 5 and trick or treat night needs, getting popcorn supplies, bagging treats and getting tech things ready and prepping phase 5/6 lighting, props and structure decoration, and haunt playlist prep. Last minute projects planned and any structures for those are pre constructed or planned
Phase 5 is build up for Halloween Night, we put up structures, more crowd control and fencing, Projection structures put together and dry run. Populate and run lights or insure power is available for trick or treat night. Last minute weather changes are made.
Phase 6 is Halloween Day, We pop and bag the corn, finish lighting and decorations in the structures, put treats and such in appropriate locations place last minute fragile or not weather sturdy items are place and draped with plastic or tarps if applicable, Costumes are donned, make up made up if needed and show time.
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