Colorado Springs, CO – As October rolls in, families throughout southern Colorado are embracing the Halloween spirit by transforming their front yards into elaborate, spooky attractions. Homeowners have spent years building and expanding their displays, turning a simple neighborhood tradition into a community‑wide celebration.
Multi‑year dedication creates massive haunted houses
Long‑time resident Michele Harry says her family has been perfecting their haunted house for about 30 years. “My husband’s been yelling at me for years,” she laughed, recalling how the project began when their children were small. Over the decades, Harry has collected roughly 70 animatronic figures and anywhere from 500 to 1,000 side props. Each Halloween the display grows larger, with actors joining the effort to chase trick‑or‑treaters and hand out candy.
“Most of the time, we’re chasing them with the candy being like, ‘Here take the candy!,’ because they’re running,” Harry explained. Her home at 1803 McArthur will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 30 and October 31, inviting neighbors to experience the full‑scale haunt.
Creative DIY projects add glow to the night
Not every homeowner goes for a full haunted house, but many add eye‑catching details. Blake Sanders, another local enthusiast, built a striking piece featuring two skeletons “barfing up toxic waste.” He used two fish‑pond pumps, water and UV‑reactive dye to create a glowing effect under black lights. “It’s just two fish pond pumps and water,” Sanders said. “Then you just use any type of UV dye. The black lights are on it and it just glows in the dark.” He plans to reuse the skeletons for future holidays, dressing them in new costumes each year.
Community connection drives the tradition
For Harry, the effort is less about scares and more about building community. “When I moved here there was one house that put out Halloween stuff, and now everybody’s participating,” she said. The KRDO13 Trick‑or‑Treat Trail Map now highlights dozens of homes across the region, encouraging families to explore multiple neighborhoods while staying safe.
Local officials have praised the displays for fostering neighborhood pride and providing a family‑friendly alternative to commercial events. The city’s Parks and Recreation department noted that the increased foot traffic supports local businesses, as families often stop for snacks or drinks after their rounds.
How to join the Trail
Residents interested in adding their own haunt can contact KRKO13 for a spot on the map. The station encourages participants to keep displays family‑appropriate and to respect neighbors’ property. Safety tips include using battery‑operated lights, securing any moving parts, and ensuring pathways remain clear for children.
With the holiday season fast approaching, southern Colorado’s neighborhoods are set to become a showcase of creativity, faith in community, and the timeless joy of a well‑executed scare.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
