In Episode 401 of the UnCapped Podcast, host Chris Sands sits down with Paul Brubacher for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Markoff's Haunted Forest. Operating for its 34th season in Montgomery County, Markoff's has evolved from a single decorated bus into an immersive experience that recently earned the title of the number one ranked haunt attraction in the nation.
Listeners will get an inside perspective on the year-round dedication required to build this terrifying outdoor event. Paul details the incredible lengths the design team goes to for realism, from craning a real Antonov airplane into the woods to constructing a massive three-story castle facade. The conversation also highlights the attraction's roots as a benefit performance supporting Calleva, a non-profit outdoor education organization.
Episode Highlights:
Practical Effects & Mayhem: How the core design team spends the off-season sculpting, welding, and fabricating upgrades to change about 30% of the attraction every year.
The Junkyard DJ: The sensory overload of the post-apocalyptic midway, featuring a real DJ with Vegas credentials performing from a massive rig.
Craft Beer Partnership: A look at Markoff's new beverage partner, Manor Hill, who set up the draft system to pour out Trails End Kolsch.
Navigating the Haunt: Expert advice on structuring your visit, from choosing between the detailed storyline of the Town versus the suspenseful three-quarter-mile Trail.
Holiday Transformation: A sneak peek at how the terrifying midway transitions into the family-friendly Markoff Family Christmas Village later in the year.
Tune in to discover the artistry, engineering, and sheer passion that goes into scaring the daylights out of Maryland. Listen to the full episode on Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream your podcasts.
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Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
