5 election-themed specials and spectacles in DFW

by Brentney Hamilton

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Oh, hey. Is it an election year?

DALLAS — According to every Facebook newsfeed everywhere, folks all over the country are still paying attention to the presidential race; even the ones who have loudly and creatively vowed to continue not caring about politics.

A host of Dallas-based businesses and groups have come up with creative ways to keep the conversation fresh – or at least … unusual, like local activists Drink for Democracy, who partied on October 27 at DISH. The group formed in response to Dallas' low voter turnout in order to reinvigorate enthusiasm toward civic duty, and they've now partnered with Union Bear and Zini’s Pizzeria for specials through November 2, and Monica’s Nueva Cocina and The People’s Last Stand through November 6. I

We picked the five most interesting events, specials, and spectacles centering around the upcoming election. Let us know about more in the comments below.

1. Haunted houses

When an event promotes its terrifying final room with the phrase “President Obama and Governor Romney doing shameless things to Uncle Sam,” as Dollz Haunted House does, a number of things come to mind, and none of them sound pleasant. Located at the Fatal End – known as a “certified” haunted site, and the most haunted building in Dallas – the special Dollz show is filled with “eerie doll corpses formerly housed at the frightening Necroplex in Italy, Texas.” During a chilling finale where the candidates and Uncle Sam take center stage, owner Bob Lee said, “the only thing scarier than zombies, ghouls, and goblins is politics.”

2. Lawn decorations

A yard in Colleyville caught buzz earlier in the month over its “Halloween Obama,” suspended in a tree next to the likeness of Joe Biden, dressed as a clown. CBS-DFW reported that the display was later destroyed, but supportive neighbors helped rebuild it with the likeness of Mitt Romney next to an Empty Chair, clown shoes, and the sign, “Thieves took the clowns, but the circus still remains.”

3. Cocktails

One of Dallas’ consummate cocktail kings, Eddie “Lucky” Campbell, is known for slinging next-level concoctions. His downtown project, The Chesterfield, prepared patriotic sips for each of the debates. When we asked about election night libations, he created two new red and blue recipes on-the-spot. Keep in mind – The Chesterfield will be closed for a private event from 6 to 9 p.m. on election night, but as coverage tends to go late, stop in after 9 p.m. for an “Obama’s Donkey” or “Romney’s Julep” at $5 each.

The Blue Goose is also experimenting with their famous margaritas, creating special red and blue versions, available through the election. On election day, they'll run a special for $5.

4. Swag

The Flying Saucer has been offering custom pint glasses featuring lighthearted etchings of both candidates – Obama’s says “Four more beers,” and Romney’s says “Open a new tab” – and patrons have been voting with their … livers. As of Friday, Romney was ahead at all three Saucer locations by a wide margin, but reps tell us that, in a twist of Floridian proportions, local party leaders have bought out cases of the glasses in some markets in order to skew the results. As for the party that has been shelling out the dough – most likely both? – reps are keeping mum.

DFW-based 7-11 has held a similar promotion, which reps call “unabashedly unofficial and unscientific.” According to 7-election.com, which updates daily, Obama has a solid lead, 59 to 41 percent.

5. Food

On a similar note, Ruthie's Cheesesteak Cafe is doing a "vote with your stomach" promotion featuring sandwiches specially designed for the election season. Reaching "across the aisle," Ruthie's came up with a few ingredients that both sandwiches could agree on -- onions, provolone, and secret seasonings on 8 inches of Amoroso's World Famous Hearth Hoagie Rolls. So how do these platforms differ? The Obamarama adds chicken and the Romninator adds beef. As of October 27, the Obamarama held a slight lead. As a food truck, the Ruthie's "polling place" is mobile, so be sure to check online in order to cast your vote.

Taco Bueno, headquartered in Farmers Branch, offers free chips and guacamole during their "Guac the Vote" special all day on November 6 for anyone who votes. Because restaurants aren't allowed to ask for proof -- Starbucks found themselves in a related pickle a few years ago -- the deal is based on the honor-system. Drive-thru and dine-in customers just have to say they voted for the avocado appreciation.

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