Delray Beach, Fla. – This October, longtime resident Joshua Kreppel turned his front yard into the biggest haunted house he has ever built, providing a free, spooky attraction for neighbors and visitors alike. Kreppel, who has been decorating his home for holidays since childhood, said the project represents his love of community gatherings and a desire to give back during the Halloween season.
From childhood tradition to record‑size yard haunt
“This is the biggest haunted house. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid. I’ve done Christmas lights, Halloween stuff, and honestly, this is the biggest one,” Kreppel told reporters. He added that he plans to make the display even larger next year, emphasizing his commitment to growing the tradition.
Community reaction
Neighbors described the event as “scary fun” and praised the free admission. One attendee noted, “There’s not one person who went through the maze who didn’t get scared – it was spooky and fun.” Another visitor remarked, “When you first come into the haunted house, you would never expect this is in someone’s front yard.” The atmosphere, according to locals, fostered friendly interaction, with people shaking hands, hugging, and sharing laughter as they moved through the maze.
Free for all
Kreppel made it clear that the haunted house is open to everyone without charge. “Guess what? You don’t have to pay any money. It’s free,” he said, underscoring his belief that community events should be accessible to all families, regardless of income.
Family‑focused fun
Beyond the scares, Kreppel highlighted the event’s role in strengthening neighborhood bonds. “I love a group gathering with the community,” he said. “I love watching people get scared, watching people in front of my house, shaking hands, hugging each other and being friendly.” The free attraction provided a safe, family‑friendly environment for children and adults to enjoy Halloween together.
Looking ahead
As the night drew to a close, Kreppel offered a festive farewell. “Hey, listen, it’s that month of October. I just want to say Happy Halloween,” he said, wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday.
The Delray Beach community continues to embrace local, low‑cost events that bring families together, reflecting the city’s strong emphasis on neighborly support and shared traditions.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.