602 Western Avenue, Joliet, IL
year: 2013
Agony is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, home haunts we've ever been to. It is actually two parts in one - the first part includes an elaborate yard display, complete with animated props, pneumatic props, homemade props, lighting, smoke, live actors, and more. This portions encompasses the entire front yard, front porch, and side areas of the home where the haunt is located. This portion is elaborate enough and large enough on its own, but that's really only the half of what Agony is.
The residence that host Agony is a large, old house, complete with multiple stories and wraparound porch, as well as a large front yard. This space it utilized to the fullest, with props practically everywhere one looks. One of our favorites is a life size hearse being pulled by an animated black horse that rears up on its hind legs every so often.. What's even more impressive is that the horse was homemade by the haunt owner. Such is the case for many of the props that one will find here. The entire front of the house is surrounded by a large faux fence and gate, complete with gargoyles and wrought iron. There are also videos and trivia playing for those waiting outside. Proceeding through the gates one encounters many things to see, including live actors on the porch and along the side of the house. Our favorites this year included a girl whose entire lover torso appeared to be melting, and a girl who appeared to be impaled on a large spike. Really well done! Once visitors walk along the side of the house they come to the main entrance of the haunt itself. |
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As mentioned, this home haunt is very large. It consists of about 15 different full-size rooms, including a toxic waste dump, a creepy clown carnival area, and a full bedroom scene with a creepy actor looking at herself in a mirror. Overall, it's just as big as a number of professional haunts we have been to, and the props and actors are just as good. What's even better is Agony charges no admission. They do take donations, though, and we highly suggest contributing, if only to keep this home haunt running. It's obviously a huge labor of love for all involved, and you can see the dedication throughout the entire setup. It's one of our annual favorites, and we make sure not to miss it!
If you're on a budget, limited on the places you can go and want to make sure you go to good ones., or you're looking for some good scary and funny entertainment for Halloween, be sure to check Agony out. It's well worth the trip! Note that the crowds can get very large (not surprising given the quality of the setup) so plan accordingly.
If you're on a budget, limited on the places you can go and want to make sure you go to good ones., or you're looking for some good scary and funny entertainment for Halloween, be sure to check Agony out. It's well worth the trip! Note that the crowds can get very large (not surprising given the quality of the setup) so plan accordingly.