Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

by Lynn

How did you make your costume?

The front and back costumes of Willy and the Oompa Loompa are "human" costumes just cut at the right spots to be able to put on Poco. Ironing board straps are my favorite tool and do great for holding pants up, hats on, etc.

The chocolate vat is re-purposed cardboard from last year's costume, just painted and altered as needed. Rest of the props are cardboard, mailing envelopes, and other around-the-house items. The brick backdrop is from plastic tablecloths.

The Oompa Loompa's shows are old shoes of mine where I cut the toe off, spray painted and added the pop-pom. The Oompa Loompa head is Styrofoam, using an orange stocking and cotton for the eyebrows. Willy is holding the "Golden Ticket" and the Oompa Loompa is holding a ladle to stir the chocolate in the vat.

How much did it cost (approximately is OK)?

I started watching for sales last year and collecting items as I found them. Probably in the range of $100 if you count the paint, paper ink, etc..

Where did you wear it?

This year Poco just wore it for the photo shoot. Normally we travel to an in-person show but he is rehabbing from a suspensory injury and I didn't want to make him ride in the trailer for 4 hours. It will be shared with his fan club who have come to expect his costumes for various occasions. Plus we'll be entering several virtual contests, and it will be the October photo on our 2025 calendar.

How did people react?

Only a few have seen it since it is not yet Halloween, but those that did loved it!

What is your horse’s name and how did it react?

My horse's name is Poco. He doesn't mind any of this dress-up activity and takes it all in stride. He's a low key guy.