SCITUATE, R.I. – On a crisp October morning, the residents of Alberta Street gathered in front of a modest home to celebrate a community tradition that has grown into a beloved neighborhood event. The host, 25‑year‑old Mike Castelli, who lives with cognitive and motor‑skill challenges, spent weeks planning and hand‑delivering invitations for what he called his “Great Halloween Pumpkin Spectacular.”
Planning and preparation
Mike’s parents, Theresa and Tim Castelli, explained that their son has loved holiday decorations since elementary school. “He asked for a blow‑up decoration in fourth grade and has been collecting them ever since,” Theresa said. The family noted that Mike prefers simple, meaningful gifts such as seasonal decorations over typical birthday or Christmas presents.
When summer arrives, Mike begins mapping out his yard display on paper, arranging each piece in a logical order. “I make sure everything is tied down correctly and the electricity is safe,” Tim added, describing the careful setup process.
A neighborhood invitation
Weeks before the event, Mike created homemade flyers and personally placed them in every mailbox on the street, extending the invitation to neighbors he had never met. “He wanted to include everyone, not just the people he already knew,” Theresa said. The invitation read, “You’re invited to Mike’s Great Halloween Pumpkin Spectacular. Join Mike and his family to see his Halloween display and have some fall snacks and drinks.”
Unlike many community gatherings, there was no RSVP required. The Castelli family was surprised by the turnout, noting that nearly every resident attended.
Community response
Long‑time resident Donna Couture praised Mike’s dedication, saying, “I’ve seen him out here for hours, from dawn to dusk, setting up his decorations. It’s wonderful to see the whole street come together.” Neighbor Joseph Spaziano, who has known Mike since childhood, echoed the sentiment: “Seeing his display every year makes me very happy. He’s gotten better at it over the years and always adds something new.”
During the three‑hour gathering, neighbors mingled, shared snacks, and admired the elaborate pumpkin and seasonal displays. Couture highlighted the inclusive atmosphere, noting that no one was left out or glued to a phone. She also mentioned that Mike collected items for his Special Olympics team, receiving generous donations from attendees.
Looking ahead
The Castelli family expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “It’s hard these days for neighbors to connect, so this was a wonderful reminder of what a close‑knit community can be,” Theresa said, tears in her eyes. Tim added that Mike is already planning a Christmas get‑together for the neighborhood.
Neighbors told local NBC 10 that they look forward to future events, appreciating the quiet yet impactful way Mike brings joy to the street. “It makes everyone happy and puts a smile on their faces,” Spaziano concluded.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
