In the heart of Platte County’s Northland neighborhood, a family tradition has blossomed into a community attraction. Todd and Lorraine Arbuckle spend weeks each fall building a hand‑made Halloween spectacle that transforms their front yard into a spooky wonderland.
Creative roots run deep
Todd Arbuckle says his love of Halloween began in childhood, watching his own parents decorate for the holiday. “When I was in high school I earned an art scholarship, but I never pursued it professionally,” he explains. “I kept making art, crafts, and props on my own time, encouraged by my parents.”
That early encouragement fuels the elaborate displays he now creates. Starting in early September, Todd begins cutting, carving and painting figures that range from floating ghosts to hanging witches and custom‑made demons. “I just love it because I can cut loose, and my dark passenger comes out alongside my wife,” he says with a grin.
A family‑and‑neighbor effort
The project isn’t a solo endeavor. Lorraine helps coordinate the layout, while neighbors Chad and Kyle lend a hand with set‑up and lighting. “We get a great deal of satisfaction out of seeing our creations come to fruition and then putting them on display for others to critique,” Todd adds.
Critique, he says, is part of the fun. “People appreciating what we’ve made, and giving us some criticism as well as some praise, is a good thing.” The Arbuckles welcome both praise and constructive feedback, seeing it as a way to improve each year’s show.
Open to the public
Visitors are invited to stroll by after 6 p.m., when the yard is illuminated by fog machines and a haunting piano soundtrack that Todd describes as “practically the soundtrack to his life.” The address, 9621 North Tracy, has become a local waypoint for families seeking a festive, family‑friendly fright.
While the display is undeniably eerie, the Arbuckles stress that it’s meant for all ages. “We’d do it even if nobody ever saw it, just because we love making these creations and letting our imagination run wild,” Todd says. The couple hopes the tradition encourages neighbors to explore their own creative passions, whether through art, music or community projects.
Community response
Since the display’s debut, the Northland neighborhood has reported a noticeable uptick in foot traffic on Halloween evenings. Residents say the yard adds a unique, home‑grown flavor to the season, complementing larger municipal events without competing with them.
Local businesses have also taken note, with nearby cafés reporting higher patronage as visitors stop for a warm drink after admiring the yard. “It’s a win‑win for the community,” Lorraine observes. “We get to share something we love, and our neighbors get a little extra holiday cheer.”
As the Arbuckles continue to refine their spooky tableau each year, they remain focused on the simple joy of creation and the shared experience of a neighborhood coming together for a night of harmless fun.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
