Thornhill Woods Haunted House Blog

IT IS AN HONOR

2012-01-14T23:13:00.003-05:00

to have been selected by the Home Haunters Association as the recipient for first place in the 2011 Home Haunt of the Year Contest.

I would like to personally thank Kevin Wood for putting together this Annual Contest and all the Judges for their countless hours of video viewing to select this years winners.

It was exciting to have been able to participate with so many other creative Home Haunters; I really enjoyed watching everyone else’s videos.

Congratulations to 2nd place winners "Darkwing Manor" and 3rd place winners "Haunt 31". I would also like to send a bloody warm heart felt thank you to all the suppliers who donated prizes.

Happy Haunting!!!

BEWARE IT'S COMING

2012-01-09T18:57:00.006-05:00

THORNHILL WOODS HAUNTED HOUSE

WEB SITE IS GETTING A MAKE OVER.

LOOKING FORWARD

2012-01-04T19:56:00.003-05:00

To attending Transworld's 17th Annual Halloween & Attraction Show at America's Centre in St. Louis, MO.

During these four days March 8 - 11, 2012, the Haunt industry will gather to network, get new ideas and approaches, purchase product, compare horror stories and have a spooktacular time with other Haunters.

WISHING EVERYONE A

2011-12-30T13:42:00.003-05:00

Happy NEW YEAR! Lots of Health, Happiness, Prosperity,

and of course "HAPPY HAUNTING"!

WISHING EVERYONE

2011-12-22T13:10:00.005-05:00

A very scary Christmas and Haunted New Year.

2011 HOME HAUNT VIDEO

2011-12-12T19:14:00.004-05:00

Thanks to my good friend Jeff Chatten from Horrors Unlimited.

2011 TWHH HALLOWEEN PHOTOS

2011-11-13T20:54:00.009-05:00

DAY PHOTOS

NIGHT PHOTOS

MAUSOLEUM PHOTOS

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE

2011-10-31T10:07:00.001-04:00

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE

2011-10-13T23:48:00.001-04:00

A friend to Trick-R-Treat with on Halloween.

MY FRONT ENTRANCE TO MY HAUNTED HOUSE

2011-10-10T09:55:00.011-04:00

is up, and I couldn't be happier. This year I had to changed the look because we out grew the driveway, so I moved the walk through Haunted House into the back yard. We now have more room, the Haunted House is right next to the cemetery, and we have great access both in and out of the haunt. Unfortunately I had to take the fence down, but that's the life of a Home Haunter. We do what ever it takes to make it look right!!!

I was also able to get my banner up that raps around the front entrance of my porch. I had it made custom for me two years ago from Issusionator, I had them match my bricks and windows on my house. The eyes in the skull head have two 21" computer monitors with red glowing eyes in them and the white window will have a projector playing scary movies every night right up to Halloween.

This is what the back of the banner looks like. I had to make a wood frame to hold the banner up so I hung camouflage to hide the wood.

Gotta run and get back to work now on the inside of the Haunted House.

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

2011-10-04T20:16:00.003-04:00

My son Matthew, who's now five. Announced to me that he wanted to be a Zombie this year for Halloween. The wife's not impressed...

I can't figure out what would have influenced him!

I'M STILL A KID AT HEART

2011-10-04T20:10:00.002-04:00

While I was in Windsor, Ontario on business I crossed the boarder in Detroit, Michigan to picked up some Halloween Cereal and Candy Corn at Target. You can't get this cereal in Canada any more.

Now comes the hard decision, which one should I open first?

SCONCE SKELELABERA'S

2011-09-23T17:07:00.003-04:00

I purchased this creepy couple from Scarefactory. I've secured them to two skull panels which will be part of my front entrance to my Mausoleum this Halloween.

I DECIDED TO GIVE MY PILLARS

2011-09-18T21:18:00.008-04:00

A much needed update this weekend. I replaced my two front entrance Gargoyle pillars with two new ones from Distortions Unlimited.

I didn't like the original color on the Gargoyles because they didn't match my pillars, so I re-painted them.

Here they are with a black base coat.

After painting them black, I sponged on two different shades of grey paint. I also wanted to add a little more detail to them, so I went to Michael's craft store and pick up some fall vine leaves and moss. I'm pleased on how they turned out.

The rest of my pillars were sanded down, re-painted, new flickering lights added, and some climbing fall vines.

All and all I'm just pleased to have another project for the haunt out of the way. Now back to working on the Mausoleum.

ANOTHER PRODUCTIVE DAY AT THE HAUNT

2011-09-10T21:23:00.009-04:00

Rented a 26' truck to go pick up my walk through Mausoleum being stored in a warehouse.

Starting to realize this hobby of mine is getting expensive, but I'm Halloween obsessed!!!

Purchase something new for the Mausoleum this year, a 17' x 32' x 9' canopy tent. Now the kiddies won't get wet if it rains outside, also allows me to set everything up with out getting wet.

This will be the first year setting up the Mausoleum in the back yard, unfortunately I'm going to have to cut of two large sections of the fence so everyone can enter & exit the haunt. Shhhh don't tell my wife, I haven't told her yet!!!

Here's what the frame looks like set up, next step is to wrap the canopy tent around the frame. It will be gray on the outside to match my exterior wall panels, and the interior will be black to help keep the light out.

More pics of my progress will follow, thanks again to my family & friends for all your help today.

I'M HAPPY TO SAY

2011-09-09T09:33:00.003-04:00

I finished my fall garden, now back to working on my haunt.

HALLOWEEN HAND SOAP

2011-09-04T20:18:00.006-04:00

My Niece just started a new job at Bath & Body Works and she surprized me today with this Light-Up Skeleton Coffin Hand Soap.

When you press the pump to dispense the green apple scented hand soap, it lights up flashing with and an eerie sound coming from the bottom of the bottle.

I was really impressed with their selection of Halloween proucts on their web site too.

GOT TO LOVE MY ACTORS

2011-08-27T19:51:00.003-04:00

One of my actors Steven is so excited about this year's Halloween that he went out this weekend and purchased some new make-up and contact lenses.

I think he looks amazing!!!

LET THE BUILDING BEGIN

2011-08-14T15:04:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the generosity of one of our new sponsors "Lowes", I was able to purchase some much needed supplies this weekend to update my Mausoleum.

Started painting the new 4'x8' ceiling panels for the Mausoleum.

Purchased a new 60 gallon air compressor to handle all my pneumatics. I wired it directly to my fuse panel and drilled a hole through the cement wall to run a air line outside.

I'm creating a new Spider themed room in the Mausoleum this year, so I took my Bucky Skeleton from the Boneyard and covered him in spiders.

This is another cool prop I purchased from Gore Galore, I took this Mummy and covered him in webbing and spiders. He too will end up in my new spider themed room.

Well that's all for now, time to get back to working on my next project. Many more posts coming now that Halloween is getting closer.

CANADIAN HAUNTERS ASSOCIATION

2011-07-31T22:07:00.002-04:00

Has officially launched their new web site.

The CHA (Canadian Haunters Association) website was created to pass along information and ideas on all things related to Halloween for FREE.

What started out as a regional club of home haunters back in 2004, has grown over the years to a National Canadian Club with home haunters from coast to coast.

We dug up this website to allow everyone to see how creative and imaginative haunters really are. Most haunters are too busy working on their own haunts leading up to Halloween to get out and see other locations. This website will allow you to show off all your hard work while seeing others just like yourself.

MY 2011 HALLOWEEN TEASER TRAILER

2011-07-29T08:31:00.002-04:00

I WAS REALLY EXCITED

2011-07-10T20:11:00.005-04:00

the other day when I came home from work and found this box sitting on my door step.

Back in December 2010 I submitted my home haunt video into the Annual Haunters Video Awards contest, I was just honored to be in it with so many other amazing home haunters from Canada and USA.

This was my first year submitting a video and I was so excited to find out I had one an award for "Best Video Production". WOW, what an honour.

I defiantly need to thank my good friend Jeff Chatten from Horrors Unlimited, he did an amazing job filming and editing my video.

A special thank you goes out to Chris & Jeff Davis from the Davis Grave Yard, thanks for keeping these awards alive and being such amazing home haunters youselfs.

Thanks to the The Blood Brothers for doing a great job announcing all the winners and all the judges who voted for me.

Finally a warm felt thank you to all my family and friends for helping me out with my haunt and video last Halloween.

HAPPY CANADA DAY

2011-07-01T12:37:00.005-04:00

A SIDE OF HORROR WITH YOUR RIBS

2011-07-01T09:21:00.013-04:00

My friends at the "Powerhouse of Terror" are scaring people up before Halloween for a good cause.

The Rotary Club of Etobicoke has spiced up their largest annual fundraiser, Toronto Ribfest, with some scare tactics.

This year's festival will feature 'Carn-evil,' an 800 square-foot haunted house full of evil clowns and freaky circus acts to raise money for charity. The new project is a collaboration between Charity Haunt - Powerhouse of Terror and the Participation, Acknowledgement, Commitment, Transformation Urban Peace Program (PACT).

PACT Haunted Theatre has been working with at-risk youth alongside Powerhouse of Terror mentors to build the new haunt, which will be premiered at Ribfest on Canada Day weekend.

Around 20 youth, referred by the correctional or school systems, have been attending weekend classes in construction, set design, acting, and effects.

The haunt's 'Carn-evil' theme fills two tractor trailers for a total of 800 square-feet of circus fear. The trailers will be moved to south Etobicoke this fall for the upcoming Powerhouse of Terror. The Ribfest haunt cost is $5, with all proceeds going to PACT.

Toronto Ribfest runs June 30 to July 3 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Parking is free and a $2 donation is suggested for entry.

For more information visit http://www.torontoribfest.com/

7TH ANNUAL SCAREFEST

2011-06-30T08:03:00.003-04:00

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I'm really looking forward to this event this weekend, it's become such an enjoyable annual haunt indusrty event in Ontario.

Scarefest is a gathering of people who share an interest in all things related to Halloween. In attendance will be people who own and operate professional haunts, home haunters and Halloween product vendors.

It's a great place to sell, buy, or swap your old props. Best of all you get to spend the day with new and old friends that have the same love for Halloween as you do.

END THE TORCHER

2011-06-16T23:15:00.002-04:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

2011-06-15T17:22:00.001-04:00

to all the Dad's out there.

CLEANER VERSION OF THE EXORCIST

2011-06-08T17:49:00.002-04:00

This newer version of the Exorcist really sucks!

DON'T BE AFRAID OFTHE DARK

2011-06-05T09:31:00.003-04:00

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“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is about a young girl living with her father and new girlfriend in a very old mansion. Unbeknownst to them, the mansion is also a home of demon-like terrifying creatures in the basement.

It is the remake of the 1973 film that starred Kim Darby, Jim Hutton and Barbara Anderson.

The film will be released into theaters on August 26 later this summer.

AHHH...SCRATCH...SCRATCH...AHHH...

2011-05-24T23:22:00.006-04:00

I'm sitting inside my house tonight and I hear moaning and scratching at my front door.

I looked outside to see where all the noise was coming from and I found these two creepy zombie kids at my door step. They were dress up like characters from the Trick "R" Treat movie; they demanded I give them some Halloween Candy.

They told me they just finished eating one of my neighbors and now wanted something sweet for desert. I told them I didn't have any candy, but if they hurried they could eat, I mean catch the ice cream man who just passed a minute ago.

Kid’s today have no respect, don’t they know Halloween isn’t for another five months!

I REALLY WAS SCARED...

2011-05-16T22:45:00.008-04:00

Like a good son, I went to visit my Mother on Mothers Day. After spending the entire morning there with my siblings and all our kids, I decided to go for a walk since it was such a nice day outside.

My parents live just North of me in the older part of Stouffville, Ontario. Like any other small town the developers are slowly creepy up North and building new communities.

There are still some old abandon homes left in the area that look like Haunted Houses. I've had my eye on this one house for over five years and always wanted to take some photos of it, but I wouldn't because of this "Sign".

I've never seen anyone go in or out of this house. When I've driven past it in the evening, I've never seen any lights on, any vehicles in the dirt road driveway, or any sign of life. So I finally built up some courage and brought my camera with me to take some photos of this really creepy old house.

As I approached the house you could tell it had been abandoned for a while. All the trees, gardens, and grass were over grown and there was garbage every where. Almost every window on the house was broken, the paint was fading and flaking off.

I started to walk towards the house to take some closer shots when I noticed the front door was open, when I looked inside there was garbage every where too. It looked like one of those t.v. hording shows.

As I adjusted my camera lens for a closer shot of the front porch I noticed a large black object standing in the doorway that wasn't there a few seconds ago, when I finally focused my lens...I froze.

There was a large black Rottweiler dog staring me down, all I could think of was Stephen Kings "CUJO" the friendly St. Bernard that contracts rabies and goes on a killing spree.

I stood there completely still and thought to myself "I'm in trouble". I was all alone and there was no one any where close to hear my screams if I was attacked. I knew if I ran, this dog would chase me down no problem, so I just stood there for a minute and kept my eyes locked on "CUJO".

Finally I decided I had to get out of this situation fast, so I slowly started to back up. Well I guess that was all CUJO was waiting for, me to make the first move. He started to run towards me and I froze again, I put my hand out to show a sign of good gesture and thank God, he was a friendly dog.

CUJO looked like he was an abandon dog who was just looking for some companionship and some one to say hello to. Then just when I was starting to feel comfortable again, I hear this loud voice come from the house "Your Trespassing" get the hell off my property or I'll get my dog to attack you.

I looked up at the front door and there was this really scary looking guy who looked liked he had been living in the wilderness for the past ten years. He was creepier then the house and the dog, I apologized for disturbing him and got the hell out of there as fast as I could.

I personally think he was a house squatter, but I wasn't about to ask him.

"WOW" what an experience. I'll never do that again.

THE LAST RIDE

2011-05-12T12:28:00.000-04:00

Image source

Gone but certainly not forgotten.

Transcend the traditional funeral with a fitting send off that celebrates individualism and living life to the fullest.

Shake the ground one more time in this Harley Hearse from Boot Hill Hearse.

I'M FEELING VERY HONOURED

2011-04-23T13:03:00.012-04:00

after receiving news that the Thornhill Woods Haunted House had won an award for "Best Video Production" with the 2010 Home Haunter Video Awards.

My home haunt is such a pleasurable hobby for me and it's nice to see all the hard work is recognized. I know myself after reviewing all the other home haunts on the 2010 DVD collection that there were a lot of great submissions to choose from.

I would like to thank all the judges who picked my haunt, Chris & Jeff Davis from the Davis Graveyard for continuing to promote the Home Haunter awards, and The Bloodshed Brothers for doing an amazing job announcing the winners.

But the biggest thank you goes to my good friend Jeff Chatten from Horrors Unlimited for taking what I had envisioned and turning it into another one of his masterpieces. I would also like to thank all my friends who took time out of their busy schedules to help me create this killer video.

Congratulations to all the other 2010 Home Haunter Video Winners.

HAPPY EASTER BOILS & GHOULS

2011-04-22T10:34:00.004-04:00

This little baby girl showed up on my porch today all dressed up for Easter.

I thought she looked so adorable, so I gave her a little stuffed bunny to play with while I ran inside to get my camera to take her picture.

When I came out this is what I saw...

Don't you just love how cute kids are.

HOME HAUNTER DVD COLLECTION

2011-04-10T17:21:00.004-04:00

I was excited to open my mail box on Friday and see I receive my Home Haunters DVD Collection.

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Chris & Jeff Davis from the Davis Graveyard have put together this killer collection of 67 home haunt videos on a five disk DVD set. They've really out done themselfs with the graphics on the DVD's and the video production.

If your interested in purchasing the DVD set for yourself (click here).

BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP

2011-03-26T14:21:00.004-04:00

What does "beauty is only skin deep" mean?

The saying simply means that just because someone (or something) appears attractive on the surface doesn't mean they aren't rotten beneath that outer layer. Or in other words, a person may be beautiful on the outside, but still have an 'ugly' heart or soul.

Never the less, check out these creepy manipulations photo's.

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STARTING TO CREATE THE MONSTER

2011-03-21T23:03:00.007-04:00

Website...

I'm excited to finally have finish the new Canadian Haunters Association logo with the help of my new Graphic Designer M80.

While I was visiting the Transworld Halloween Trade Show in St Louis, I was also on the hunt to find a new website designer to help me build the new Canadian Haunters Association Website.

I've spent the last two months looking for a website designer in the haunt industry. I couldn't go with my current website designer Rogues Hollow because it conflicted with his other company Haunted House.com, and let's just say the others in the industry never took the time to get back to me.

So... I lucked out and found a new rising star in the haunt industry, Tyler Barnett from M80 Designs. I was really impress with his work on Nightscreams Studios website and he will be working with another talented website designer Jimmy Talkington from Thorn Designs.

BTW, all these guys are super talented Website Designers in the haunt industry, I would highly recommend all of them for anyone who's looking to create a Killer Website for their haunt.

2011 TRANSWORLD SHOW PHOTO'S

2011-03-18T20:33:00.006-04:00

I had a great time in St Louis attending the 16th Annual Halloween & Attraction Show.

March 10-13, 2011 at America's Center.

Image Source My Flickr Account

Transworld has always been one of my favorite Halloween shows to attend every year. It is by far the biggest of all the haunt trade shows, you get to see what is the latest and greatest in the haunt industry from all the leading suppliers, you can participate in seminars, visit local professional Haunted Houses, and best of all. You get to spend time with home haunters from all across Canada and U.S.A.

Priceless...

HOME HAUNTS ARE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS AT HALLOWEEN

2011-03-10T13:02:00.004-05:00

If you haven't experienced the thrills and chills of a haunted house lately, try visiting a home haunt this Halloween. If you dare...

My friend Val Tobin a Contributing Writer / Freelance Writer for Suite 101 wrote this great article about my home haunt

"Thornhill Woods Haunted House".

CANADIAN HAUNTERS ASSOCIATION

2011-03-06T20:08:00.008-05:00

Greetings my fellow haunters,

I would like to inform you of the new Canadian Haunters Association (CHA), formally The Ontario Haunters Club (OHC).

Before I begin telling you about my goals and thoughts, I want to thank Victoria Wolf the founder of (OHC) for the outstanding work and dedication that she has shown over the years. Victoria started out as a home haunter herself and found the need to connect with fellow haunters, so she began the (OHC) back in 2004. In the 7 years of starting the club, she has brought together a great community of home haunters and has created a new family of goulish friends.

As most of you are aware by now, Victoria Wolf has had to graciously pass on the torch of running the club, due to her demanding work schedule and family obligations. I offered to take over the website because I saw a need to update it and I wanted to make it more user friendly and add on new information.

Since this is my first post for the (CHA), I feel it’s important to explain the reasoniong for the name change and a new website. What started out as a regional Ontario club of home haunters back in 2004, it has grown over the years to a National Canadian Club with home haunters in additional provinces. Now it only makes sense to change the clubs name to more welcoming one that represents all Home Haunters from across Canada.

The new website will truly be a 100% Canadian Home Haunters Association that will focus on all things related to Halloween. But before I begin to tell you about the new website, I would like to make something perfectly clear. Because Victoria has passed her torch to me doesn’t’ mean that I’m the leader, this new website belongs to all of us Haunters and this is why I’m going to be putting together a committee of volunteers to help with the new website and future events.

Some things won’t change; Rebecca Senese will continue to run the monthly pub night as the Ontario chapter of (CHA). Hopefully we can inspire other provinces to follow and have their own monthly get togethers. The (OHC) Facebook page has already been updated to the (CHA). Also, the (OHC) Yahoo Forum will continue to run until we get the new website up and running.

I’ve been working with Hector Turner (Home Haunter/Graphic Designer) on a new Logo for our Association along with other website designers / programmers to get a quote for the new website. Here’s a list of the tabs and the information they will represent. Please feel free to comment, since the new website officially hasn’t been created yet. If I missed anything you feel is important to add, please say so.

• Home
• About Us
• Membership
• Home Haunts - Yukon Territory, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland.
• Commercial Haunts (Same provinces as the Home Haunts)
• Industry News
• Forum (Just like http://www.hauntworld.com/haunted_house_forums/) this forum will replace the (OHC) forum. It will be more elaborate and have more features than the old one. Each member will be able to log in on their own account and buy/sell, and discuss ideas related to home haunting and the Haunt Industry, etc...
• Upcoming Events
• Store
• Contests
• Vendors
• Links
• Advertise
• Contact Us

I’m really excited about our new website and Association and I look forward to watching it grow. If you have any questions or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks in advance for everyone’s support.

Chris Ainsworth

2010 DAVIS GRAVEYARD VIDEO

2011-03-03T18:51:00.003-05:00

The Davis Graveyard is by far one of my favorite Home Haunts, Chris & Jeff Davis always seem to out do themselves every year.

They have the most realistic themed graveyard haunt I've ever seen, all the props your about to see in this video were made from scratch by them.

Both Chris & Jeff regularly have Take N' Make classes building Tombstones, Mud Monsters, Foam texturing techniques, and other related Haunted House props.

Just when you think it can't get any better with these two, they've also taken over the Home Haunters DVD collection, Home Haunters Video Awards, heading up the Take N' Make section of the 2011 HauntCon & West Coast Haunters Conventions this year.

Best part of all, they both love what they do and it shows...

HOME HAUNTERS DVD's

2011-03-03T07:58:00.005-05:00

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Chris and Jeff Davis from the Davis Graveyard have graciously taken over creating the Annual Home Haunters DVD collection of home haunt videos and pictures from across U.S.A., Canada, and Internationally.

They will also be looking after the judging and distribution of the Annual Home Haunters Video Awards. These awards are given out to home haunters who submit their videos to the DVD set compiled and distributed now by Chris & Jeff. Each winner receives a trophy from Ghost Ride Productions, I've got my fingers crossed because I submitted my home haunt video this year; I'd just be honored to be nominated.

As a home haunter I've always been disappointed that I never have enough time to visit other home haunts, I’m usually too busy looking after my own like the rest of you. Well now, Chris & Jeff have created this killer collection of home haunt videos for our viewing pleasure.

It's like a pub crawl for home haunters.

The 2010 DVD’s consist of 66 home haunts on five disc set, the price is $25.00. If you contributed to the DVD set this year you can order the set at a 25% discount of $18.75, an additional $3.50 will be added to help cover postage and PayPal costs.

If you’re interested place your order HERE.

WALKING DEAD MARATHON

2011-02-26T20:36:00.004-05:00

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What's the best way to unwind after a long, stressful week? A night on the town? A trip to the theater?

Next week, skip the movie theater and let AMC usher in your weekend with six-and-a-half solid hours of post-apocalyptic zombie goodness. On Fri., Mar 4, 2011 beginning at 8/7c, AMC will re-air all six episodes of The Walking Dead Season 1 back-to-back.

HaPpY VaLeNtInEs DaY

2011-02-14T09:11:00.001-05:00

I LOVE A GREAT DEAL

2011-01-31T08:51:00.006-05:00

A fellow haunter told me last week about a great deal on gaming speakers at a local auto store Princess Auto. I'll be honest, I would never think of looking for any kind of speaker at an auto store and why would I be interested in a gaming speaker.

I was told these particular speakers are a dream come true for a home haunter...

Altec Lansing designed these speakers to work with just about any gaming console which allows you to hook up your Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, or DJ Hero and take your sound to a whole new level.

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These speakers have mutable uses for a Home Haunter, the ports on the right hand side allow you to hook up a MP3 player or your Ipod. Now your able to create an ambient sound(s) for any room or prop in your haunt that's able to continuously loop.

There's more than enough sound coming out of this 40 watt speaker with a 6-1/2" woofer, these speakers can be used for a static prop, Animatronic Prop, or creepy sound effects in your haunt. Another cool feature in these speakers are they have a left channel and a right channel, this allows you to hook up mutable speakers with surround sound.

The best part of all of this is the price I paid, the speakers normally retail for $59.99 CDN. I paid $24.99, Princess Auto had ordered to many last year and was blowing them out to reduce their inventory. I purchase 12 of them, I'll be using them throughout my walk through Mausoleum.

TRANSWORLD - MARCH 10-13, 2011

2011-01-30T20:45:00.010-05:00

For the last 16 years, TransWorld’s Annual Halloween & Attractions Show has gathered the largest collection of industry leading vendors and a huge selection of products to give haunters the greatest opportunity to see all of the best products and creations, all under one roof.

The Annual Halloween & Attractions Show continues its tradition of creating a unique business environment designed to allow buyers to meet face-to-face with exhibitors. The exhibitors bring all the newest products and classic designs, providing buyers with a one-stop shopping experience.

Products at the Annual Halloween & Attractions Show include: Props, Animatronics, Games and Crowd Pleasers, Concession Supplies, Tickets and Crowd Control, Masks and Costumes, Lighting and Special Effects, Make-Up and Prosthetics, Fabric Paint and Décor, Gift and Novelty items, Haunted House Design and Installation, Sound/Visual Electronics and Effects, Mobile Haunted Houses, Educational and Instructional Videos, Spooky Music and SFX, Wristbands, Visitor Automated Tracking Systems, Haunt-Oriented Graphic and Web Design, and much more!

Networking events, award ceremonies, local haunted house tours, industry relevant seminars and an expanded Dark Zone make this the best Halloween & Attractions Show yet!

I've purchased my air line tickets, booked my hotel room, and reserved my name badge. This show has also become a major social event for me, it's allowed me to meet up with other fellow home haunters from across Canada & U.S.A.

RYAN'S HAUNTED HOUSE

2011-01-19T21:46:00.004-05:00

My 7 year old son Ryan drew this spooky haunted house with blue bolts of lighting, blood dripping from the windows, ghosts floating around the house, corpses hands rising from their graves, a green zombie eating brains, a werewolf howling, and two creepy pumpkins.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

SETTING THE MOOD

2011-01-12T23:39:00.007-05:00

One of the most frightening things about approaching an outdoor haunt or walking through a haunted house is the background ambient music or creepy sounds effects being used. These sounds effects set the stage for themed rooms and outdoor haunts. The right music can send shivers up and down your spine even before you've set foot inside.

Try watching John Carpenter's Halloween movie without the sound, it's just not scary! Then listen to the music and background ambient sounds that were created for this movie and you'll know why it's one of the scariest horror movies created.

I'm always looking to improve my haunt every year, so this year I've decided to stop playing generic Halloween music and go for creepy sound effects instead.

Imagine yourself walking up to a cemetery theme outdoor haunt and you see an old rod iron fence with tomb stones behind it, a mausoleum, corpses coming out of the ground, fog rolling across the landscape, low lighting, and then you hear generic Halloween music being played in the background that you recognize from other haunts you've already visited.

Now take that music out of the same haunt and add the sound of wind howling in the background, crows screeching above in the trees, corpses moaning as they clime out of their graves, and a church bell ringing in the distance. This to me seems more realistic and creates a spookier ambiance.

Gore Galore Cd's I received in the mail this week.

The goal of every haunted attraction should be the suspension of disbelief by your patrons. Look no further, I've found some killer sound effects through Gore Galore.

Their Cd's or digital downloads from HauntAudio.com are designed to help you achieve this through your patron's auditory senses by making them believe what they are hearing is as real as it gets.

I've personally purchased many copies of their CD sound effects and never been disappointed; they are by far the best I've found in the haunt industry. Check out their web site, they also manufacture haunted house props, costumes and much more.

CAT

2011-01-11T21:05:00.006-05:00

My neighbor who lives a few doors down from me isn't home that often and she leaves her cat outside most of the time. I'm personally allergic to cats, but I've really become fond of this little guy.

He knows my routine and is always at my front door when I leave in the morning for work and always seems to be waiting for me when I get home. If I'm downstairs on my computer in the office or my living room, he always seems to know and continues to meow until I let him in.

Now I know it's my fault because I've been feeding him regularly, but I feel bad he's outside all day and I don't know how often he's feed. If I notice my neighbor has gone away for a weekend and left him out, he always has a warm place to sleep, and he knows it.

Throughout the year when ever I was outside working on my garden, lawn, prop building in the garage, or even setting up of my haunt in October, my little friend was always by my side.

I've talked to my neighbor and she's aware of our bond and thinks it's cool, she told me his name last year, but I can't remember it. So I just call him "Cat".

Another cool thing I like about my Cat friend is for the last two years in October when my Haunted Cemetery was all set up and running. My friend here liked to sit either on my tomb stones or my porch and keep an eye on everything for me.

Cat's really are amazing companions.

AND THE WINNER IS

2011-01-10T20:36:00.027-05:00

I had the privilege this year to participate in the Home Haunters Association "Best Home Haunt of the Year Contest for 2010".

There were 64 participants from all over United States, Canada and even Germany. Everyone had to submit a video and pictures of their 2010 haunt, which was judged by a panel of 10 judges from the haunt industry.

Once all the video's were submitted, I was like a little kid coming home from Trick 'R' Treating on Halloween night. I just couldn't wait to sit down and open my bag to see what I got, or in this case, what everyone else's video's and pictures looked like.

It was great to see so many other amazing home haunts, one of the biggest disappointments for most home haunter's is not being able to check out other home haunts. We always seem to be working on our own haunts right up to the last minute on Halloween night, which doesn't allow us time to visit our friends haunts or one's we've seen on YouTube or the Internet.

Unfortunately I wasn't one of the nominee's, but I was honoured just to be in this contest with so many other amazing home haunts.

First Place Winners - Darkwing Manor

Second Place Winners - McKamey Manor Asylum

Third Place Winners - Steve's Yard Haunt

Congratulations to all the winners.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T10:28:00.010-05:00

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May the year 2011 bring you...

Good Health, Happiness, Success, Peace, Hope & togetherness with your family & friends.

Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

SeAsOn GrEeTiNgS

2010-12-23T08:37:00.002-05:00

BARRIE GRAVEYARD

2010-12-03T10:49:00.003-05:00

Here's my friend Chris Arnott's 2010 Home Haunt Video.

I think he did a killer job this year considering it snowed, rained and hailed during his setup.

He had about 350 Trick 'R' Treater's and probable would have had more in it wasn't so cold and the fact that Halloween fell on a Sunday this year.

MAUSOLEUM VIDEO

2010-11-19T11:37:00.002-05:00

Just found this video on Youtube that one of my neighbors shot of my Mausoleum this Halloween.

STEVEN AMIDJINOV (Psycho)

2010-11-15T19:53:00.010-05:00

Steven Amidjinov was without a doubt my star kid scare actor for the 2010 Halloween Season,

I think I've created a monster!!!

Steven was amazing, he took to scaring the hell out of adults and kids, like a Trick 'R' Treater takes to candy. He actually had people running away from him every time he got into his Psycho Killer Character. Steven was really good at analyzing people and working off of their fear.

Steven also has a huge heart, he helped with the set up and tear down of my haunt this year. He was around almost every evening during the week of Halloween and was always willing to lead a helping hand.

I believe a star has been born and this kid could go places in his future with the haunt industry or anything else he sets his mind too.

KIM PORTNIK (The Killer Clown)

2010-11-15T19:14:00.006-05:00

Kim Portnik was one of my scare actors this Halloween and more...

Kim supported our haunt throughout the week leading up to Halloween almost every night by scaring people and helped with the construction of the entire haunt.

He's an amazing kid, he stayed to the bitter end to tear down the haunt in the dark and never complained once. I wish all the other kids in the neighborhood were like him.

Thanks again Kim.

TWHH 2010 HALLOWEEN VIDEO

2010-11-14T10:59:00.003-05:00

My good friend Jeff Chatten from Horrors Unlimited shot and edited my 2010 Home Haunt Video. This guy just keeps getting better and better!

2010 HALLOWEEN NIGHT PHOTO'S

2010-11-13T22:15:00.005-05:00

Here are some photo's from my 2010 Halloween night display.

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HALLOWEEN VIDEO

2010-11-12T10:08:00.002-05:00

My friend Carl Chalupa from Room 57 shot this video of my 2010 Home Haunt.

IT'S NOW COSTING ME MONEY

2010-11-10T21:58:00.012-05:00

"Well it's official" my home haunt is now costing me money.

I've complete run out of storage space in my house, I've raised the bar to high this year by building a walk through Mausoleum that has totally consumed my two car driveway and garage.

I now have to rent storage space to keep all my wall panels, canopy tent, tomb stones, and all my pillars.

I owe a big thank you to my friend Lorne Andrews from the Power House of Terror for allowing me to share one of the three tractor trailers he uses to store his haunt at the end of Halloween season.

I guess I'll just have to stop buying or making more props...Ya Right!!!

2010 HALLOWEEN

2010-11-05T14:00:00.007-04:00

Sorry everyone for not getting some photo's up sooner or answering any of your emails, but I've been busy tearing down my haunt and looking after my boys while my wife is away.

Attendance was down this year vs. last year, we only had 2,784 Trick 'R' Treater's. How do we know, we count the donated candy we hand out. Halloween night was only 2 degrees, so it was a cold night for the kiddies; plus they had school the next day.

But the good news is my donations were up, I budgeted $4,000 and I collected $4,781.87 for SickKids Foundation, my biggest year yet. Heart felt thank you go's out to all my family, friends, and amazing nieghbors for helping me set up and tear down again this year.

Now the depression sets in until next Halloween

TWHH ON WEBKINZ

2010-10-28T08:41:00.004-04:00

I was contacted by Webkinz last week and asked if they could film a Halloween episode for their weekly video update on their website.

Webkinz are toy stuffed animals similar to many other small plush toys, however, each Webkinz toy has an attached tag with a unique "Secret Code" printed on it that allows access to the "Webkinz World" website.

Cute video for the kiddies, but I'm sure Ned the main character will be having nightmares for the next month.

HALLOWEEN BANNER

2010-10-10T13:24:00.005-04:00

Finished another project for the haunt today.

I had to build a wooden structure made out of 2" x 4" and half inch plywood to wrapped around the front porch area (21' x 10') for the custom banner I purchased last year from Illusionator at Transworld Show in St. Louis.

Because we are a corner house and we get a lot of wind howling through our porch area, the banner became a sail last year and started to rip. So this year I'm not taking any chances and built a wooden structure for more support.

The banner has two eye's cut out of the skull head where I've placed two 19" computer monitors that light up at night with fire burning eye's, on the second half of the banner I have a large window frame where I will be playing Halloween theme movies continuously throughout the evenings.

The inside of the porch area is very dull so far, I've covered up all the wood with burlap and camouflage netting to hide how ugly it looks. Now I have to come up with some kind of a theme haunted hallway.

Any suggestions?

PREPARING

2010-10-08T21:20:00.003-04:00

Pulled out all my Zombie Characters tonight, I'm starting my Cemetery set up this weekend.

PUMPKIN HAND SOAP

2010-10-05T21:50:00.003-04:00

I stopped in at local Pier One to see what Halloween supplies they had to offer this year and found this great looking Pumpkin Hand Soap, when your finished washing your hands, they smell like pumpkins.

HALLOWEEN TREATS

2010-10-05T21:42:00.004-04:00

While I was in Detroit, Michigan last weekend I stopped in at Target to see what Halloween supplies they had this year. I decided to relive my childhood and picked up some Count Chocula & Boo Berry cereal, I also picked up some Choc-O-Lantern Pop Tarts.

Their mine...all mine...Don't even look at them!!!

TOMB STONES

2010-10-03T21:46:00.016-04:00

Along with a couple of new characters to this years haunt, I've also added some additional Tomb Stones.

I can't take the credit for making these beauties, but I will give credit were it's deserved.

My friend Brian Lashchuck from Beyond The Grave Productions made all these Tomb Stones from scratch.

The "Usher" obelisk is cast in durable, rigid urethane foam. This tall piece stands 7 feet and 1inch tall (85"). The obelisk separates into 2 inter-locking sections, the base and pedestal.

The "Harker" Obelisk is cast in durable, rigid urethane foam. This tall piece stands 8 feet 3 inches tall (99"). The obelisk separates into 3 inter-locking sections, the base, pedestal, and urn.

These Tomb Stone's are casted in durable, rigid urethane foam and reinforced with half-inch PVC. Each stone is made in a casted mold, sanded, painted with several layers of different coloured paints, and these stones are made to last for years.

I can't wait to put them out in the Cemetery this year.

NEW CHARACTERS

2010-10-03T21:22:00.005-04:00

Meet the two newest characters to my 2010 Halloween display.

This is the new Thornhill Woods Haunted House Cemetery Grounds Keeper "Carl", I name him after a friend of my Carl Chalupa from Room 57 because they look alike.

This good looking fellow standing next to Carl is "Decayed", he's not in a good mood because Carl just freshly dug him up.

Both characters were made by my friend Brian Lashchuk from Beyond The Gave Productions.

IT'S ALMOST TIME KIDS

2010-09-29T08:21:00.002-04:00

Stop it, please stop it, the song is still running, please for God's sake stop it, there's no more time, for the love of God please stop it, stop it! Stop it now! Stop it! STOP IT NOW!! STOP ITTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!

HALLOWEEN HISTORY

2010-09-24T12:36:00.002-04:00

Great history of how Halloween started.

FALL

2010-09-19T09:23:00.009-04:00

In celebration of the first day of Fall on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 11:09 PM (EST).

I decided to dress up the gardens in front of the house with Mum Flowers and Pumpkins.

My Pumpkin urns inspired me to go back to Michaels and pick up material to build an Autumn Wreath for my front door. All their flowers are still 50% off, so I picked up what I needed, and creative my Wreath with twist ties and a glue gun.

PUMPKIN PATCH

2010-09-18T22:05:00.006-04:00

It's that time of year again! Pumpkin season. When the leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and Halloween is right around the corner.

We enjoyed an outing today at a local Pumpkin patch "FORSYTHE FARM". The kid's were able to pick their own Pumpkins, go on a wagon ride, run through the corn maze, pet farm animals, and eat ginger bread cookies.

These guys also make the best home made pies, I bought a Cherry and Apple pie.

Do I have to share?

STARBUCKS HAS GONE PUMPKIN CRAZY

2010-09-15T12:44:00.012-04:00

It's no longer a rumor, Starbucks has returned their fall traditional pumpkin favorites.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, Light Blended Beverage

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin

Pumpkin Loaf

Pumpkin Scone

Pumpkin Bread

MAUSOLEUM WALL PANELS

2010-09-14T21:59:00.016-04:00

I've started construction on my Mausoleum for Halloween 2010, here's some teaser photos
of the 4' x 8' vacuum form wall panels I purchased from Night Scream Studios.

DOUBLE TROUBLE...

2010-09-12T22:38:00.009-04:00

Meet the newest members to my family, Vincent & Boris. Both are named after two of my favorite Horror Actors, Vincent Price & Boris Karloff.

I had to replace my older Styrofoam Gargoyles on top of my front entrance pillars, so I picked up these two bad boys at HomeSence on the weekend. I first painted them black and then two different shades of grey.

I built both pillars out of 3/4" plywood, added moulding on both the top and bottom, finally I inserted a 40 watt speaker in each pillar.

Now there ready to join the other seven pillars I've built that surrounds my cemetery with rod iron fencing.

AUTUMN IS FAST APPROACHING

2010-09-12T22:28:00.005-04:00

Before the weather starts getting colder, I thought it would be a good idea to cleaned out my gardens this weekend.

I purchased these two fake pumpkins with decorated dry flowers at Michaels Craft Store. I wanted to give my two front entrance urns that autumn festive look.

I purchased some additional items to dress up the urns, Spanish moss and fall leaves. To protech the flowers from fading because there outside, I sprayed them with UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating.

Best part of all, I used a 50% off coupon to purchase everything.

PUMPKIN SPICE

2010-09-06T15:58:00.004-04:00

I purchased my favorite scented candle on the weekend at Michaels "Pumpkin Spice".

It reminds me of the fall and triggers my brain into thinking how close Halloween really is.

IN MEMORY OF MY FRIEND BRUCE EVELY

2010-08-31T09:03:00.026-04:00

It was just over a year ago on August 23rd, 2009 that my friend Bruce Evely passed away suddenly.

(Bruce Evely and his wife Sherry)

Bruce was the creater of the Stittsville Haunt" in Ottawa, Ontario.

(Halloween 2008)

(Bruce & Sherry - Halloween 2008)

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Bruce was addicted to Halloween as Trick 'R' Treaters are to candy, he started his cemetery theme home haunt back in October 1998.

What started as a few simple lawn decorations, grew into an elaborate zombie wonderland spanning across his entire front yard, a dungeon in his garage that was filled with rattling skeletons, glowing skulls and eerie lights. He added Gothic window treatments, custom tomb stones, lighting, music, sound effects, ghosts, monsters, witches, dragons, demons, and a hearse in his driveway.

Bruce also generously donated money and food every year to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Bruce's wife Sherry and daughter Brianna came to visit me on the weekend and dropped off one of the four tomb stones Bruce was making for his home haunt for Halloween 2009. Sherry was kind enough to give me one of them in memory of Bruce; I've attached photos of how I finish detailing and painting the beautiful tomb stone Bruce never got to finish.

(Tomb Stone Before)

(Tomb Stone After)

I roughed up the edges with a hot Styrofoam knife, added some cracks and put one layer of dark grey paint, then finshed it off by sponging on a lighter grey paint.

Now I'll have a great tomb stone in Bruce's memory that we both worked on and it will be a tribute in his name for future Halloween's.

DEADLY ZINS

2010-08-29T23:06:00.006-04:00

A friend of mine came over for dinner on the weekend and brought me a new wine I've never tasted before - 7 Deadly Zins.

When choosing a wine for dinner, most people will have red wine with meat dishes and white wine with chicken or fish. My friend Sherry bought this California Zinfadel for me because she knows how Halloween obsessed I am and said the name of the wine fit me to a tee.

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The first thing I found striking about this wine even before I opened it, was the label. The top and bottom edges of the label were burnt, there was a hallow over the number seven, the font was in a blood red colour, and lightly faded it the background of the label were the seven deadly sins. Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, Lust, Greed, Vanity, and Wrath.

This wine is the creative collaboration of Michael and David Phillips. Working with seven of Lodi California's best growers gave their souls and each of their old vine vineyards to contribute to the layered complexity of this fanciful blend. Soft, supple pepper and licorice-clove, notes merge into a sinful marriage of deep, brambly blackberries and lustful cherries. The finish is clean on the palate with hints of rich vanilla, cocoa and mild tannins.

Bottom line, it tastes great and I'm a new fan.

ZOMBIE PUMPKINS

2010-08-26T13:11:00.010-04:00

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For the past three years I've been consistently asked, where do you buy your carved pumpkins from? I always tell everyone, I do them myself. "Oh" are you a graphic designer? No I reply, I'm just creative when it comes to sourcing out the best stencil carved pumpkins for Halloween.

I personally get really annoyed with myself when I purchase a great looking pumpkin and screw it up trying to carve something spooky and it turns out looking like crap!

So I'll let you all in on a secret of mine, here's where I get my pumpkin stencils from.

ZombiePumpkins.com offers its own breed of original pumpkin stencils which anyone can print out and use to create some of the most impressive pumpkin carving masterpieces that you could possibly imagine, in your neighborhood. You can dazzle anybody. You can really get that reaction for your pumpkins, as you're carving them this year.

When you put these carved monstrosities on your porch, you're guaranteed to be the hit of your block. It's hard to not love pumpkin carving when your entire neighborhood is showering your doorstep on Halloween night.

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Ryan Wickstrand (Owner), runs the Zombie Pumpkin Web site that sells the creepy pumpkin carving stencils of his own designs of typical Hollywood monsters, but also creates characters and designs based on people's requests.

He has created over 218 pattern options, you can download the ones you want for a small fee. You can also grab some pointers for making your carved creations even more creeptacular.

THE HALLOWEEN KID

2010-08-17T21:23:00.010-04:00

I was excited to find out when I got home from work today that I had received a package in the mail. I knew by the size and shape it was the Halloween children's book I had pre-ordered back in July 2010 "The Halloween Kid" written by Rhode Montijo.

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The Halloween Kid is about a mysterious masked boy who wrangles Halloween hoodlums to keep the night safe for trick-or-treaters. All is well for years, that is, until a band of greedy goodie goblins gallop onto the scene - then even the Halloween Kid can use a helpin’ hand.

My two boys Ryan (6) and Matthew (3) have had me already read this rootin', tootin' tale of heroism to them several times, they really enjoyed the toilet-paper-tossing mummies and pumpkin-sucking vampires.

If you have kids, nieces, newphews, grandchildren, or just love children and Halloween, I highly recomend this children's Halloween book by Rhode Montijo.

PSYCHO

2010-08-16T08:45:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho premiered 50 years ago today.

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Arguably the best psychological thriller ever made, Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960) is a masterwork of suspense and horror. The acting, cinematography, editing and music in this low-budget, studio-bound film are superb. The movie shows two grisly murders and paints a disturbing portrait of a psychopathic killer.

Anthony Perkins gives a brilliant performance as Psycho's main character, Norman Bates. At first Norman seems to be an attractive, vulnerable and likable young man living with his domineering mother. But as Norman says, "We all go a little mad sometimes."

Janet Leigh is unforgettable in a key role, but she does not appear in the film's last hour. Leigh plays a secretary who steals $40,000, goes on the lam and checks into the isolated Bates Motel ("Twelve cabins, 12 vacancies."), which is run by Norman.

As Psycho winds down, there's a scene where a psychiatrist explains the psychology behind the murders. Critics often object to this scene on the grounds that it is heavy-handed exposition, but it is thought-provoking and indicates that the filmmakers want the viewer to recognize that the killer is not so much an evil man as he is a sick man.

After watching Psycho as a teenager for the first time, I was unable to take a shower for a few weeks without being a little freaked out. Even now I make sure that every door is locked securely before I take a motel shower.

MAUSOLEUM FLOOR PLANS

2010-08-14T16:25:00.005-04:00

Here's the floor plans for the new Mausoleum I'm building for Halloween. I'll be building this on top of the entire driveway, it will be 16' wide, 28' long, 8' tall, and every hallway will be 4' wide.

Every room will have it's own theme, there will be a surround sound systems playing creepy music, spooky lighting, live actors, moving props, and other things that go bump in the night.

I'll be blogging more in the future with additional photo's and updates.

HAPPY FRIDAY 13TH

2010-08-13T08:23:00.002-04:00

Friday the 13th is considered to be one of the unluckiest days on the calendar.

Like many human beliefs, the fear of Friday the 13th (known asparaskevidekatriaphobia) isn't exactly grounded in scientific logic. But the really strange thing is that most of the people who believe the day is unlucky offer no explanation at all, logical or illogical. As with most superstitions, people fear Friday the 13th for its own sake, without any need for background information.

WITCHES COVEN

2010-08-12T13:02:00.004-04:00

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The annual Witches Coven meeting was in progress and Griselda, the Head Witch addressed the crowd.

"Flights to the Northwest sector will be cut by 150 miles."

"Flyovers will be cut by 15 minutes".

Any questions?

Brooms ready?"

"OK, now dust off the potion bottles, put on your hats and give em HELL sisters!"

MONSTER CEREAL

2010-08-11T13:10:00.013-04:00

If you were a kid growing up in the 1970's, I'm sure at some point Count Chocula cereal landed on your breakfast table.

In late 1971 General Mills began production of the Count, along with his pal Franken Berry, combining a very tasty cereal with in-box prizes and a dominating character presence on both TV and in the grocery aisle. The following year Boo Berry was introduced, followed by Fruit Brute and Yummy Mummy completing the unholy circle.

My favorite was Count Chocula, I would even have a bowl of it in the evening while I watch the Adams Family or the Munsters on TV.

TRICK R' TREAT

2010-08-09T15:42:00.001-04:00

BOO!!!!

2010-08-09T15:39:00.001-04:00

HISTORY OF THE DISNEY MANSION

2010-08-09T08:26:00.005-04:00

Disney was such a magical and fun part of my life growing up as a kid, I couldn't wait to watch it on TV on Sunday evenings.

As I got older, I was always intrigued by the Haunted Mansion; I imagined it as one of the most Spookiest Haunted Houses in the world and wondered what it would be like to visit it.

Well in 2004 I finally got to live out a childhood fantasy, I visited the Haunted Mansion in Florida for the first time.

Here's what I saw...

I revisited the Haunted Mansion again in 2008 while visiting California with my family, it was even better the second time because they updated it with The Night Before Christmas characters.

If you ever get a chance to visit either one of them, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

KILLER FRIENDS

2010-07-29T14:18:00.010-04:00

My friends Paul & Kim from The Boneyard recently had their Annual 2010 ScareFest at their home.

It's always a great time because your surrounded by other home haunters, people from the Haunt Industry, Professional Haunted Houses, you can buy & sell Halloween props, see whats new in the haunt industry, fill your belly with great BBQ, and just have a fun filled day in the sun with good people.

One of those people is my friend and (Brother from another Mother) Carl Chalupa from Room 57. He took this photo of me and did an amazing job with Adobe Photo Shop making me into a Zombie.

Gemini's are known for having split personalities!

DONATION PAGE

2010-07-27T13:05:00.005-04:00

Thornhill Woods Haunted House is pleased to announce that we've created a donation page in support of the SickKids Foundation on our web site.

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We've had many requests from people who haven't been able to make it out to our Home Haunt, but would still like to make a donation to our worthy cause.

Well now everyone can have the pleasure of going onto our SickKids donation page and donating on a secure web site, while learning the history of why we have partnered up with SickKids Foundation.

Thanks in advance to everyone for your support.

HALLOWEEN SPONSOR

2010-07-22T13:28:00.009-04:00

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I'm so excited to have Old Dutch Foods Potato Chips as our Official Sponsor for a third year in a row.

Old Dutch first started in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada as a little chip company with a lot of heart back in 1954. Soon, their tradition of making and delivering great-tasting snacks spread throughout all of Canada. For over 50 years, their windmill has stood for quality and trust, old world charm, and a desire to create a long-lasting chip and snack tradition.

You know it's funny how you remember certain things as a kid growing up. I remember going out on Halloween night Trick R' Treating with my older brother and getting snack size Old Dutch Original Style Potato Chips from many homes we went to.

It now gives me great pleasure to know that I'll be that person who is responsible for handing out their Potato Chips on Halloween night and creating lasting memories for a new generation.

I also want to thank all the people who work at Old Dutch Foods, with out your support we wouldn't be able to raise the amount of donations we do for SickKids Hospital.

HAPPY CANADA DAY

2010-07-01T08:37:00.002-04:00

NEW CREEPY ADDITION

2010-06-08T13:23:00.017-04:00

There’s going to be a new addition to the Thornhill Woods Haunted House this year.

Every home haunter sticks with a theme for their haunt, mine has always been a Haunted House with a creepy cemetery. Over the years I've continuously added more tomb stones, zombies, ghosts, but always felt something was missing.

After analyzing the layout of my haunt and listening to some friends, I realize that I needed to add a Mausoleum because a Haunted House with a creepy cemetery just isn't complete with out one.

So I traveled to the USA last month and picked up some great detailed vacuum form wall panels from Night Scream Studios to create a walk through Mausoleum this Halloween.

Here's a picture of what some of the outside wall panels will look like.

Inside Coffin Wall Panels

Now comes the fun part of designing theme rooms, decorating and constructing all the walls with a tent canopy to cover the roof.

For Halloween 2010 the unearthly spirits at the Thornhill Woods Haunted House will have erected a Mausoleum full of what bad dreams are made of. So come and see what lurks behind the encrypted burial chamber walls and see if you can find your way out.

HOW TO CARVE DER PUMPKIN

2010-05-18T21:14:00.004-04:00

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In memory of James Maury "Jim" Henson (September 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990) who was one of the most widely known puppeteers in American history and was the creator of The Muppets.

WARNING!!!!!

2010-05-18T20:51:00.002-04:00

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Love this home haunt Warning Sign from Spookineering.com

HOW TO SPEAK ZOMBIE

2010-05-16T20:07:00.007-04:00

I was out pillow shopping with my wife on the weekend to decorate the new leather couch we just purchased and we walked into Teatro Verde.

While she was hunting for new pillows I stumbled across this book "How To Speak Zombie", What a great find.

Published by Steve Mockus

In a world overtaken by zombies, the only hope for survival lies in learning the language of the undead. How to Speak Zombie demonstrates how to blend in and avoid being eaten while carrying on with everyday activities like ordering a latte from a zombarista and shopping at a zombie-infested mall.

This essential guide features an electronic sound module that demonstrates proper zombie pronunciation ("RAHHHhh "), helpful text that explores the customs and etiquette of the zombie world, and detailed illustrations that show the undead doing everything from pumping iron to dancing the night away. Deeply informative, this handbook also includes an all-purpose BRAINS button that can be used in any situation, deadly or otherwise.

Plus it will make a great bed time story book for my 6 and 3 year boys.

PROPS FOR SALE

2010-04-09T14:05:00.009-04:00

BOLT - Frankenstein Monster character on a slanted metal table
Thrashes wildly as he gets electrocuted.
Includes digital control, sound and amp with speaker
Wireless remote
(Original price $2,327.00 – Asking $1,500.00)

BOLT - Matching Generator
(Original price $525.00 – Asking $200.00)

Campbell Hausfeld air compressor / 4 Gallon / 125 PSI
(original price $300.00 – Asking $150.00)

Igor prop - Approx. 23" wide x 14" deep x 55" tall
(Original Price $525.00 – Asking $300.00)

Single Door Cooler
In great condition, interior and exterior lights work
Comes with shelf's and clips
(Asking $200.00)

Anyone who is interested please contact me by email.

THE TALENTED MR. CHALUPA

2010-04-08T20:16:00.007-04:00

Image Source

Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees and Freddie Krueger all have to sleep at some point.

Ever wonder who haunts them in their dreams? Well let me introduce you to Carl Charlupa...

Carl has really made a name for himself over the past few years in the haunt industry. Not only is he the most sought out psychotic horror theme actor in this part of Canada, but he is also a very talented photographer.

Carl has terrorized thousand of victims over the past few years in Professional Haunted Houses, Themed Home Haunts and many horror related videos.

I've had the pleasure of working with Carl in a video that was created for my custom Zombie Windows which will be a major feature of my Haunted House this upcoming Halloween. Carl's contribution as a Zombie actor was creepy and believeable, he's a true professional.

I believe the Haunt industry is extremely lucky to have such a talented Actor and Photographer.

All the pictures I've posted in this blog are from Carl's personal collection on his web site

Room 57

HORRORS UNLIMITED

2010-04-07T22:41:00.006-04:00

Image Source (Me)

Finally I got some free time this evening to sit down and watch my latest DVD purchase.

I belong to the Ontario Haunters Club (OHC) and had the honour of being asked to participate in the 2009 Haunt Crawl - Volume 2 - Home Haunt Edition DVD.

Jeff Chatten of Horrors Unlimited has been creating media for the Haunted Attraction Industry for the past two years and has become a very talented video artist and a friend of mine.

Jeff has braved the cold October evenings for the past two years to put together this Killer collection of Home Haunts, he features full tours of ten Home Haunts in the GTA area and the DVD is filmed entirely in High Definition and includes a 5.1 Dolby Digital Soundtrack and also comes in Blu-Ray.

So this evening I slowly creeped down to the basement, turned off all the lights, sat in the darkness and watched my DVD in surround sound. "WOW" was I impressed, you could really hear the wind blowing, doors creaking, kids laughing in the distance, Zombies growning, Witches snickering, cats hissing, etc...

The picture was so clear I swear I was standing there, but my favorite part of all was being able to see all my OHC friends and their Home Haunts. One of my biggest disappointments as a Home Haunter is not being able to get out to see other Home Haunters displays because most of them are only open on Halloween Night, but now Jeff has created this wonderful collection of Home Haunts.

HOME HAUNTERS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!