It'd be silly and expensive to fill the treasure chests to the brim with gold, so a false top was created. 1/2" stryofoam, cut the size of the trunk lid, was covered in a pile of expanding foam insulation, which was all spray-painted gold. The gold coins, necklaces, jewels, and swords were then glued onto this styrofoam base, covering as much foam insulation as possible. This gives the trunk an overflowing look, without spending lots of money on the treasure.

Our four gothic lights made their return this year for the graveyard, as well as the flickering pumpkin in the basketball hoop. Year after year, this area is difficult to light, since I prefer to have hidden or practial (obvious light fixture) sources. So for 2004, we've added a pair of flickering pumpkins, which cast a flickering orange glow near the back of the graveyard. This helps with the lighting issue, since guests can see where the light comes from, but it makes sense.

To combine realism with safety, the Boatswain's noose is built in two pieces. The same length of rope was used, but then cut into pieces, and with the loop being seperate from the hanging length. With this in place, there's no way for any accidents to happen while the scene is set up.

All the swords used in the stunt sequences were created by Matt Wood specifically for Halloween 2004. We experimented with aluminum, pounded steel, and box steel, but eventually settled on 1/4" thick strap steel, with custom-sanded handles made from wood. The steel swords are fairly heavy, but hold up well after constant use over two evenings and rehearsals, and create the realistic sound we were going for.

For the largest trunk, we wanted a flickering amber/yellow effect, instead of physical gold or jewels. Four amber and yellow floodlights are installed in the floor of the trunk, with a four-channel sequencer, which cycles through each light one by one at a pre-determined speed. Ideally, it'd be best if they faded, rather than flickered, but it still gives a fun effect.

The first (and not the last) skeletal pirates guests experience on the cliff during tram boarding are made of plastic, and finished with spray paint, pirate hats, and ratty costumes. Each side treasure trunk has a tight pin spotlight on it, which gives the gold an extra sparkle, and more glow than the surrounding skeletons and rocks. Finally, the floodlights on the side of the house are broken up through the branches, which gives the entire scene a really cool lighting texture.