The Smell Of The Haunt

So in past years, I have really focused in on a few detail aspects of my display: sight and sound. 

I arrange everything in a visually appealing way with a hierarchy of focus and light (that is, the most important and detailed props are front and center in the display with full-color spotlighting while less important pieces - my potter's field wooden crosses - flank the edges with only a wash of light). It all keeps the viewer's eye focused on the center of the display.

I have also spent years developing the sounds of the display. I have settled on dark ambient audio as the main background audio - enveloping, menacing sound to create a sense of unease that stays in the background without creating any noticeable hints to distract or bring attention to it. I also add some spot sounds throughout to add detail and focus to certain props, be it a quick accent sound or vocal cue.

But the third pillar of the display still escapes me: scent. I want to create a full haunt experience for the trick-or-treaters and their families by also giving scent to add to their experience. Thus far, I have been using scents in my fog which has worked well, but only when the fog is shooting from one of my fog machines.

Last year, I added two incense cone burners to either side of my main archway which sits centered at the front of my display. I thought that position would be optimal as it's right against the sidewalk where everyone passes. They would be sure to catch a hint of scent as they stood and took the display in.

Unfortunately, the scent dissipated pretty quickly and was dispersed by the constant breezes on Halloween night.

I also ended up pitching the incense from last year, as the scent that I picked out was far too "perfumy" for my liking...

But on a whim, I grabbed these new Midnight Woods Scented Incense Cones from Michael's and am quite pleased with the scent. Woodsy with a hint of patchouli spice. I think it will be a great, earthy scent for the Cemetery this Halloween!

And here is where I hand it over to you. Do any of you use scent in your haunts, and how do you disperse it without it immediately blowing away in the wind?? Or am I just doomed to fail on this one???

I'll keep tinkering, but I'd love to hear your tips or ideas to make this work!