RIO RANCHO, N.M. (NewsNation) — The coronavirus pandemic is making changes to daily life, and already has the Halloween industry thinking of some socially distant spooks.
In New Mexico, normally home to the world’s longest haunted house, event organizers have found a new way to make people feel like they’re trapped in the middle of a horror movie: a drive-thru, NewsNation affiliate KRQE reported.
“When we got this idea, we thought this was going to be the perfect thing. Everybody is safe within their own vehicle and everybody outside is spread out enough to where they don’t have to worry about being in constant contact with somebody,” said William Robinson, the manager of Dragon’s House of Horrors.
Thrillseekers will drive into the parking lot of the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico near Albuquerque. They can turn their car radios to a certain station to amplify the sounds outside of the car.
The characters for “mile of terror” have been practicing new terrifying techniques to still make people feel like they’re all around them, even if there is a barrier. The characters will not be allowed to touch the cars.
Tickets are $40 per car and the drive-thru event begins in early September.
“It’s such an honor. We’ve put our hearts and souls into this haunt for many, many years,” said Robinson.
Dragon’s House of Horrors started 16 years ago in the owner’s backyard. Ultimately growing into the huge spectacle; it is every year at Expo New Mexico. Their setup holds the Guinness World Record for the longest walk-through haunted house.
Halloween is a $9.1 billion industry, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2019 report. Last year, the average consumer spent $86.79 for the holiday.
