Couple creates walk-through Halloween display, collects donations for hurricane victims

WARWICK, R.I. (TND) — A Rhode Island couple hopes to make the 2022 Halloween season extra special for boils and ghouls of all ages with their walk-through display.

They are also raising funds for a good cause.

Daniel and Anthony Rayhall set up a massive labyrinth in their Warwick backyard and have been collecting donations for Floridians who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Daniel said his uncle lives in Fort Myers — an area devastated by the hurricane, adding several friends were also hit hard.

We know people that have lost everything," Daniel told The National Desk. "We want to help everyone as much as possible."

Daniel and Anthony have been decorating their yard and welcoming guests to visit "Rayhall Halloween Displays" at 47 Cavalcade Blvd. for at least seven years. The theme is The "Amigone" Funeral Home and Haunted Grounds.

This year, they added two new 10x20 feet tents that are filled with "a lot more" spooky animatronics and special effects, like strobe lights and fog machines. There are also more horrifying hallways to give thrills and chills.

Last year, we had an amazing turnout and the feedback we got from everyone made us want to go bigger," Daniel said, adding the display takes up their entire backyard. "We love Halloween so we decided why not go bigger?"

There will also be nearly 20 live actors, including students from an area high school, positioned throughout the labyrinth. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete the terrifying trek, with groups of no more than six.

Daniel accompanies each group, as he controls the animatronics. Plus, he said it gives guests on the autism spectrum the chance to experience the display without strobe lights or monsters jumping out at them.

If anyone has a sensory issue, we will let them press the buttons on the remotes to see what that monster does," Daniel said. "We explain it to them and take the extra time to make sure that it's enjoyable for them, as well. We try to be all-inclusive."

As guests wait in line, they are treated to a 3-D map projection on the front of the house. It's accompanied by music, including songs like "This is Halloween" from "Nightmare Before Christmas," "I Put a Spell on You" from "Hocus Pocus," and "Halloween Dance Party."

"We also put a spoof commercial together for the 'Amigone' Funeral Home," Daniel said.

They started decorating in June, spending at least a few hours a day preparing the haunt. They had help from their neighbor, who calls himself "Phil Coffin." He serves as the "fundertaker."

I bring a little lightheartedness to this whole ordeal," he said.

On Oct. 23, they will host "Ghostbusters Night," which is a kid-friendly event.

"Ghostbusters will come and freeze the monsters," Daniel said, adding "Epic Movie Cars" will be joining them for the festivities. "That will be a free event for younger kids that don't want to be scared. They'll get to see everything and won't have to be scared. We did it last year and it was awesome."

The display is open Friday and Saturday from 7-10 p.m. EDT, weather permitting, through Oct. 30.

Learn more about the display at Rayhall Halloween Displays.