In the heart of Beverly, the house at the 9500 block of South Winchester Avenue has become a seasonal landmark. Residents John Uzonyi, an obstetrician‑gynecologist, and his partner Justin Lens, a strategy and analytics analyst, have turned their home into a sprawling Halloween showcase that draws drivers and pedestrians alike.

Year‑by‑year growth

Since relocating from the West Loop in 2021, the couple has added new elements to the display each year. Over the past five years the decorations have grown larger and more intricate, featuring dancing witches, towering pumpkins, a giant octopus, a massive spider with a web that spans the front entrance, and dozens of lights draped over trees and the house itself. “We always try to switch it up,” Uzonyi said, noting that the annual refresh keeps the neighborhood excited.

Kid‑friendly focus

Both Uzonyi and Lens stress that the display is meant to be fun rather than frightening. “We are not huge fans of gore. We try to keep it really cartoony and kid‑friendly,” Uzonyi explained. Children often exclaim that the scene is “so scary,” only to rush up and explore the details.

Community spirit

Halloween night turns the street into a bustling hub of trick‑or‑treaters. The couple enlists the help of their parents to hand out candy, creating a multi‑generational tradition that strengthens neighborhood bonds. “It’s super busy,” Lens said, adding that the first year’s reaction was a major motivator for continuing the effort.

Logistics behind the magic

Setting up the display begins in September and can take up to three weeks. The couple stores the inflatables, lights, and props in fifteen 27‑gallon containers kept at a nearby storage unit. After Halloween, they swiftly dismantle the setup, packing items back into the containers and preparing for their equally elaborate Christmas decorations.

Balancing holidays

While Uzonyi admits Halloween is “John’s thing,” Lens is more drawn to the Christmas season. “I am more into Christmas. Halloween was always [John’s] thing,” he said, noting that the excitement generated by the Halloween display fuels their enthusiasm for the upcoming holiday décor.

The annual spectacle has become more than a personal hobby; it is a point of pride for the Beverly community, offering families a safe, festive environment to celebrate the season together.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.