Casper, WY – Every October, the Bonsai‑Capasso household at 1608 Jackson Street becomes a local Halloween destination. Owner Gonzo Bonsai, who first fell in love with haunted houses while working at a March of Dimes event in Wisconsin, now creates a year‑round spectacle that draws families from across the community.
From Childhood Haunt to Home Attraction
Bonsai recalls being eleven when he first experienced the thrill of a haunted house. “They scared the crap out of me,” he said, adding that the excitement sparked a lifelong passion. After working at various haunts in his hometown, he bought his own house and decided to turn it into a personal spooky showcase.
Family Collaboration Fuels the Fright
When Bonsai met his partner, Maryjane Capasso, the duo combined their love of the macabre. “It’s a match made in heaven,” Bonsai joked, noting that Capasso’s own fascination began at age five after seeing a vampire picnic at a wax museum. Together, they have spent three to four years expanding the house’s decorations, adding ghosts, goblins, clowns, witches, and countless skeletons and spiders.
Creative Process Behind the Scares
According to Bonsai, the most rewarding part of the project is the planning stage. “I love making the ideas and the creations and thinking about what’s going to go where,” he explained. He designs the placement of each spider so that the first bite triggers a reaction, followed by two more for maximum effect. The couple describes the setup as a “psychological process” that balances terror with fun.
Community Response and Visitor Numbers
Last Halloween, the haunted house attracted roughly 150 trick‑or‑treaters, a figure Bonsai hopes to surpass this year. “We’re hoping to get more this year,” he said. The couple welcomes families of all ages, even providing a sign and candy for younger children who may be too frightened to enter the full display.
Cost and Commitment
When asked about the expense of the annual transformation, Bonsai laughed, “You don’t want to know.” He described the process as a continual addition of pieces, starting each February and building incrementally through the year.
Looking Ahead to All Hallow’s Eve
Both Bonsai and Capasso are eager for the upcoming holiday. Bonsai emphasized the joy of seeing children enjoy the scares, hoping they will return with even scarier costumes. “Don’t be scared,” he advised, “and if you do get frightened, embrace it even further.” The couple invites anyone interested in a festive fright to visit 1608 Jackson Street on Halloween night.
For more photos of the haunted house and details on visiting hours, see the gallery below.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
