Halloween Trash Can Scares
December 12th, 2009 by John WolfeWhen it comes to scaring trick-or-treaters via pneumatic and animated props, you can’t go wrong with the infamous “Trash Can Trauma.” My first online encounter with TCT dates back to October of 1996 or ’97, when I came across plans for building this “trashy” scare. Back then, most haunters were loading a ghoul or skeleton body inside the container.
When the prop was activated, it looked as if the monster was springing forth from beneath the lid. However, it appears that YT user, edwashy chose to nix the body in his version and instead, went with a simple light and audio track.
You can see by the video that the effect still worked extremely well, due in part to great timing and an explosive action on the lid of the can.
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Tree Witch
December 13th, 2009 at 4:22 am
LoL, nuts, just when I thought it would end with a lightsaber fight between scary garbage can and it ended. I love everyones reaction to the fright because it’s totally unexpected. After all, just how many garbage cans do you pass that night trick-or-treating? Dozens. Plus I thought the sound of someone crashing through it was a good idea. I believe it added to the entire abrupt encounter. It’s funny to hear what kids are saying in casual walk as they admire the views around them of that frightful night. It just dawned on me just how many of us say “oh my god” when something happens….lol. Sure is better than what would come out of this sailor mouth
Edit audio for sure. Thank you for your awesome comments back John. Your personal touches along the way is one of many things that give SeasonofShadow.com it’s heart 
All My Best Dear One, Goldie~*~
December 13th, 2009 at 11:19 am
now that, is great. I need more active props in my yard haunt.
December 14th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Goldie,
If the video had ended in a lightsaber duel, then it probably would have looked like Luke was battling R2-D2, aka the “trash can.”
I did hear a few of the “Oh my God’s.” Personally, I’m with you. I enjoy hearing an expletive or two fly when someone gets scared. My favorite prank and scare clips on America’s Funniest Videos usually contain bleeped out curse words!
It’s my pleasure when it comes to commenting back. I’m extremely grateful to you and everyone else who takes the time to read my entries and comment.
Ethan,
It’s the same with my haunt — everything is static. We used to use “actors” (family members) doing scares, but I’ve never had any pneumatics.