Middleton, Wis. – Every October, the Lakosky‑Drexler family turns their front yard into a Halloween showcase, hoping to spark excitement and bring neighbors together. “We do it every single year,” said homeowner Autumn Lakosky‑Drexler, who begins planning at the start of the month and spent two days setting up the display this year, starting on October 6.
Creating a neighborhood tradition
Autumn’s side of the street is typically quieter during trick‑or‑treating, which is why the family invests extra effort in decorations. The yard features growling monsters that give visitors a playful scare, and the family hopes to see “smiles, and maybe a little bit of fear,” she said.
Beyond the thrills, the biggest reward for Lakosky‑Drexler is the familiar faces that return year after year. “I have a couple kids that come every year, and I do it for them,” she explained. One family even travels about 30 minutes each Halloween just to see the display.
Building community connections
For Lakosky‑Drexler, the annual visits are a reminder of how Halloween can foster neighborly bonds. “They come to your house, you talk to them, you get to see their costumes, you get to find out what their favorite candy is. You have a little conversation. It brings people together every year,” she said.
She hopes the tradition will spread throughout the neighborhood. “I would love all of my neighbors to join me in decorating. If I could get everyone to decorate and do this whole street, oh, my gosh, it’d be heaven,” she added.
A phone‑free celebration
In an age of constant screens, Lakosky‑Drexler notes that Halloween offers a rare chance for families to interact without digital distractions. “Nobody’s on their phone, nobody’s on a computer. We’re just all out having a good time,” she observed.
The family’s dedication reflects a broader desire among Middleton residents to nurture a sense of community and shared tradition. As more households consider joining the effort, the neighborhood may see a growing number of elaborate displays, turning the entire street into a festive, family‑friendly destination each fall.
Looking ahead
With each passing year, the Lakosky‑Drexler family’s commitment to Halloween creativity underscores the power of simple, local traditions to strengthen ties among neighbors. Their hope is that other families will follow suit, creating a collective celebration that highlights the values of togetherness, faith, and family that define Middleton’s community spirit.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
