October, 2009

Colors, colors are everywhere…..what a great time of year to be a Ballston Spa-ian. So much to see to tease the eye in the form of foliage, pumpkins, apple orchards, corn mazes, haunted houses; even the purple and gold of Spirit Week is an inviting change of pace to the aquas and hot pinks that, in my mind, feel like summer.

The best part about what there is to see is how you can enjoy, it with simply a sweater, a hat and some good walking shoes. Our recent First Friday, Block Party in Wiswall Park and Chili/Chowder cook-off are prime examples.

I challenge you to keep walking about town and join the fun of our first “Shop Local” contest brought to you by Our Towne, the Ballston Journal and the BSBPA. Its an exciting way to get out and explore select neighborhood merchants while increasing your chances to win great gift certificates just in time for the holiday shopping season. If you’ve never really found the motivation to peek behind the doors of a local shop: this is it!

Weekly prizes of $25 gift certificates will be awarded leading into the Grand Prize drawing of $500 worth of ‘em! You can enter as often as you wish and no purchase is necessary although I would assume it would be difficult NOT to buy something at the locations participating.

So go on, make a memory with the simple pleasures by hiking around the colorful neighborhood and breathing in all there is to offer. Is there any better way, to leave the stress of the world behind, then to share a few giggles, a warm apple crisp and a hay ride?

Warm regards,
Angela McFarland
Publisher
Our Towne Ballston Spa
(518)956-0195 mobile/text
angela@ourtowneballstonspa.com

Featured Business: Double M’s Halloween Hall

Q. Describe your business and how you got started. My name is Leo Martin, owner of the Double M Haunted Hayrides. I started this business when I was a senior in high school. A friend of ours in the western part of the state told us about the Haunted Hayride franchise. We (my parents and I) thought it was a great fit for our business here at the Double M so we joined.

The franchise dissolved after 5 years and we decided to stay in it, my wife Jennifer joined me in 1995 and we continue with our son Max to grow the business. This year we welcome our 19th season haunting the Capital Region.

Q. Are you known for anything special? The Haunted Hayrides have become an autumn tradition for so many in the area. People love to be scared and the Double M is THE place to be scared in October!

Q. What do you like most about your business? We love the Haunted Business, it’s a lot of work to prepare but we have a lot of fun! Making people laugh and scream is rewarding is this business! We attend a Haunted Show in St. Louis where we purchase a lot of our props and come up with fresh ideas. We also attend seminars at the show to learn about things like applying stage makeup, ticket sales, stage lighting and advertising to name a few. The haunted industry is a big business, we get lots of ideas from the internet and we have friends with attractions that we exchange ideas and trade props with.

Every October is different here at the Double M, we change the ride each season to there’s always a surprise!

Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? The weather, no doubt!

Q. What do you want the community to know about you? That we bring old fashion fun to an ever changing society! The Haunted Hayrides are open Thursday – Sunday by reservation system. There is a concession stand on the grounds, a souvenir stand and entertainment in the waiting area which includes: A D.J. or Radio Station, Oversized Monsters to greet you and, of course, the Host of the Haunted Hayrides, Scary Harry.

In addition to our Hayride and Redneck’s Revenge Terror maze, we also have our Nightmare Manor haunted walk through, not for the weak at heart! Our house has been expanded and is sure to make you tremble! Reservations are not required for Nightmare Manor. .

Q. Anything else? We also offer a daytime hayride & corn maze for families with smaller children, open Sat & Sun from 11-4. Call 884-9122 for more information.

Business Owner Name: Leo & Jennifer Martin
Business Name: Double M’s Haunted Hayride
Address: 678 Route 67, Ballston Spa, NY – A mile west of northway exit 12
Phone: 518-884-9122
Website: www.mmhauntedhayrides.com

Featured Business: Halloween Hall

Q. Describe your business and how you got started. Our business began 40 years ago as a carnival supplier to schools, churches and businesses. We added the Halloween division in 1981. We had close friends who had recently opened a Halloween store and urged us to do the same.

We were hesitant because we are so rural, but much to our surprise, the Ballston Spa area loved Halloween.

Q. Are you known for anything special? Our customers say “We should have come here first”. We have a wide variety of items from scene setters to scary props. We also specialize in items for school reports like George Washington, Ben Franklin and Abe Lincoln kits. We have saved many mothers during the school year when a quick wig or hat will make the report complete.

Q. What do you like most about your business? The people. We are a hands-on store and make suggestions, work with our customers until they are satisfied that they have found just the right costume to meet their needs. Its truly a lot of fun!

Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? Keeping fresh and current. Competition can be tough, but we are here year round, so the big box stores may not be much help to the frantic mother in February when their child needs a colonial costume.

Q. What do you want the community to know about you? That we are open year round and carry unique items like inflatables, games, tents, tables, chairs and more to accommodate any type of theme party. We have expertise in balloon arches, great party center pieces and carry Santa Suits, Santa wigs and beards for the holidays.

Our “Fun Services” division has a special program called Holiday Gift Shop which is an elementary school program. We offer the finest selection of quality gifts, while keeping the prices affordable for children. Our shop contains over 110 different items. Your organization may mark up the gifts as much or as little as you wish. The “shop” can be used as a fundraiser or you may simply present the program as an exciting and fun holiday activity for the children. Best of all, your group does not have to pay any money in advance. At the completion of your shop, you pay only for the gifts sold, and return the leftovers to us. It couldn’t be easier.

The Halloween scene has changed over the last 28 years from mostly children oriented to more of an adult style holiday. We have a large variety of wigs, hats, accessories and make up that add some terrific finishing touches to any costume.

Q. Anything else? We are well worth the visit and I think you would be pleasantly surprised at what you will find at Halloween Hall.

Business Owner Name: Lois Myers
Business Name: Myers Fun Services, Inc. dba Halloween Hall
Address: 831 Route 67, Bldg. 6, Ballston Spa, NY
Phone: 518-885-5725
Website: www.halloweenhall.com or www.Fun1.com