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The Ranch o’ Spooks Story
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The concept has
evolved over the years and in two different locations. It started back in
Pacifica, California in 1992, with some cotton
stretch-web and a fog machine borrowed from a friend. A few spooky
jack-o-lanterns and "The
Spooksville extravaganza" was complete - or so it was
thought.
While the kids were
pretty excited by the creepy vapor flying around on the front porch, it
was inevitable that our theatrical ambitions would expand.
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The second year in Pacifica, plywood
tombstones (complete with puns & quips) were added, along with the
requisite black cauldron with fake fumes emanating from it (yet another
great application of the ubiquitous stretch-webbing). The addition of
some black lights over the front door made everything look extra creepy for
any visitors brave enough to come to the door.
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1994 brought a new
location on Rancho Blvd
in Petaluma, California. Inspired by the new
venue and the greater patron potential of the neighborhood, and fueled by
our chief architect’s talent and aptitude for electronics, the
display began to take on some of the features that have become foundation
elements for Ranch o’ Spooks. The first string web was
constructed to cover the front yard. Ambient noises were added, as
well as some rudimentary lighting effects (strobe, black lights) on the
porch. Most significantly, the display began to have some
electronically-controlled aspects.
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The cast got its first member in 1994:
Morticia the Spider. Big, black and furry (and, in this first
incarnation, weighing in at around 30 pounds), she loomed over unsuspecting
goblins as they approached the front door.
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Take me back to Ranch o’ Spooks
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