Thread: Team up or stay solo?

Tweet

I don't know the precise relation.

I think he's my dad's cousin. Possibly second cousin. Sonny.

Anyway, he has run a Christmas village area for the last several years. Charges folks a small amount to drive through his massive light display. And it is massive. It's larger than the one the city puts on.

His wife owns a company that makes those lawn deer and other things of that nature, and he draws up designs and she makes them, then they put em out on this light display. He's been talking for years (see him hunting each year) about expanding it to Halloween.

Anyhow. Dad informed me last night, Sonny wants to expand to Halloween and wants me to contact him as a consultant "and possibly more".

Now, from listening to him talk in past years, I'm pretty sure he's planning mostly light displays similar to his Christmas stuff. It's possible his wife might even be launching a line of such things with a Halloween theme. Light up ghosts and ghouls for everyone to stake up in their yard to compete with the inflatables. (and I'll provide linkies if that happens)

It's not my thing, but perhaps he wants a spook alley area? I only have time to do one or the other. Help there, or continue my own thing at home.

Helping would give me access to a bigger budget. A much bigger budget. And if he wants a spook alley type thing, he'ld be targetting the same audience I like to. Also access to actual labor assistance for setup and takedown!

However, I've built up my reputation over the last 3 years to where everyone looks forward to our haunt. The neighbors ask us in January whether I'm doing it again. I've finally got some great plans for expanding on it in 2008, and have been working towards that end.

Maybe more than light display. A local family does a huge xmas light hayride, but for Halloween, they do a hayride with sets along the way and actors. It's pretty fun, and the crowds are ridiculous.

They have added a corn maze and 2 haunted houses in metal builings ("barns") for incremental income.

http://popes-farm.com/Sites/popesfarm2006/default.aspx

Wow, that will be a hard decision for you to make. If it was me, I'd have to go with my home haunt. Can't disappoint the kids who tell me they talk about it all year and wonder what we'll have for them the next year. But, if your plans are to go pro at some point, this would be the perfect opportunity to expand and learn. Let us know which one you choose.

Originally Posted by UnOrthodOx

However, I've built up my reputation over the last 3 years to where everyone looks forward to our haunt. The neighbors ask us in January whether I'm doing it again. I've finally got some great plans for expanding on it in 2008, and have been working towards that end.

Looks to me like you answered your own question.
I had a similar situation last year when I was asked to put up my display at the city recreation center. I declined the offer, as I do this for the local kids.

i agree i would stick with my own haunt too