Featured Business: Double M’s Halloween Hall
Posted by Administrator on October 7, 2009 · Leave a Comment
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
