Anyone else worried they wont get many TOTs this year?

**Dr.Ghoul** · 10-31-2009,12:16 PM

I worry every year that we wont get many Trick or Treaters, but we always end up getting a good amount. But of course this year I'm worrying more, since I put so much into this years display. I passed on going to a friends house tonight, so that way I'd be able to enjoy the holiday passing out candy and running the haunt. Anyone else worry about not getting many TOTs? So I guess we'll just have to wait until the witching hours begin to find out and not worry about it.

**devilangel** · 10-31-2009,12:22 PM

Yeh I getting worried too the weather here is windy and cold and alot of kids have been sick lately with flu Hope that they are better and are able to come I made 400 bags of candy sure dont wanna get stuck with that

**Scary Firefighter** · 10-31-2009,12:47 PM

We have all 3 in state colleges playing a home football game today. The two biggest ones, Oklahoma State and OU, are playing at 7 P.M. I'm really interested in seeing what that does to the trick r' treating.

**Gunner** · 10-31-2009,01:12 PM

Last year I helped a friend put together a front yard. Made a couple props, made some food, got dressed up. Had a few TOTs go through, maybe 30? It was rather disappointing. The neighborhood has changed and there are few kids in the area, so most of the TOTs were drive-bys. It was fun, and a nice social event, but lot of effort for the number of folks that actually stopped in.

This year I am helping out with a local haunted house that benefits a local organization. So far we have had 1700 people go through (with one big night left to go). There is a lot of energy in the house, and a lot of the people really get into and appreciate the whole scene. I have built a couple props for the house, plus I have helped out acting each of the nights that it has been open.

Some of the benefits:
The host organization establishes the rules, and manages the liability.
I don't have to do the whole show.
It is a much larger operation, with many people helping out.
It is recognized and experienced by a large number of people.
There is some budget available for the fundamentals of the house.
I can enjoy the fright factor every weekend in October.
I can take a night off if I need to. The house is not dependent on me.
Some of the guests really get into it, and it is too much fun!

Some of the downsides:
It's not my show, I do not make the final decision.
People have different philosophies about how to do a haunted house.
The drunk crowd is a pain (but we'll take their money anyway).
The experience is too intense for young kids. This is a PG-13 experience.

I would encourage folks to get involved with a local attraction. There are several in my area that benefit the local area, and have a good reputation. They are looking for actors, and I know the one I have been helping with will accept help working on props and scenes. You can be a part of a bigger event, and still decorate your home and entertain the TOTs. Personally, I will be working the house tonight (we live in the country, and do not get TOTs).

**SapphyreMoon** · 10-31-2009,01:57 PM

I never worry about it. I don't care if I thrill one kid or many. I think I do it for myself more than anything. I live in a VERY small town where people don't seem to breed a lot so I could only expect 80 kids or so, tops.