My almost favorite time of year when I pull down a large dusty box from the top shelf in the garage, dust off the rubber snakes and spiders, and plan devious ways to scare unsuspecting kids.
I encase my front porch in black painting plastic so outsiders can't see in.
Inside, I have a strobe light, fog machine (new this year), glowing bones, dropping spiders on fishing line and eye-screws, rubber snakes, scary sounds, and a 5' diameter spider web.
I also hang 4' squares of black sheet from the roof, near the front door, obscuring their path in. They have to weave back and forth to make it to the front and the candy.
I've made a CD of scary sounds and music that plays on a loop for 90 minutes. My favorite song is Toccatta And Fugue by Bach. That's the classic Phantom of The Opera organ song. Speakers are place near the front so they can hear the sounds from the sidewalk.
I don black sheets that cover me completely, and a pull-over black featureless mask with hood. My daughter calls it my Death costume. I position myself near the hanging black drapes and slowly move when people come through.
The entire thing is harmless, the only thing that moves is the spiders that drop. But I've had groups of teenage girls refuse to go in - too scared - clutching to each other, trying not to get too close. I've also seen a little 5-year old walk right on in, get the candy, laugh at the scary stuff, and leave.
After work today I need to hustle home for the setup. It takes about 3-4 hours to get everything in place...all for less than 2 hours of fun. :)
What time is Scare Tactics on?