Once, every four years, Halloween coincides with election season. Awkward presidential masks and bumbling commentary abound. A & J’s Haunted House is a great example of how to incorporate election season without succumbing to these pratfalls.

A & J’s built some amazing props for their haunt. The custom podiums for their monster candidates stand out as having memorable, Burton-esque design. Their model White House is mind blowing. I have no idea how they put that together, but I’m inspired. The windows are even decorated with the silhouettes of classic horror icons. (Elvira for president.) Towering over everything is a haunted Washington Memorial that gives everything an epic scope. The scene is really made by all the small details. The skeleton security and zombie paparazzi make it feel like you’re really at an undead presidential debate. The design is fantastic, but the best parts of this display only happen after dusk.

The Folks at A & J’s have a strong understanding of how and where to light their haunt. Nothing washes out or is over or under lit. So many little details and surprises only happen after they flip the switch and the lights come on. Let me know if you can find Jack and Sally—they're well hidden.

Signage / Visibility / Location