In terms of lawn decorations, it’s the scariest time of the year. No, not campaign sign season: Halloween.
And plenty of Clark County residents go all out with Halloween decorations. The Columbian asked readers to send in some of the most terrifying or elaborate decorations from around the country, and here’s what we heard:
• Visitors to 16309 N.E. 37th Circle, Vancouver, will need to watch out while walking to the door. The lawn is littered with bones and tombstones. There’s also a casket partially opened with a chained zombie trying to claw his way out? Hopefully you won’t have to find out how much give is in that chain.
• Ceci and Jim Mains’ house, 4616 N.W. Franklin St., Vancouver, has been a Halloween hot spot for more than 30 years. Guests can expect “live” and “not so live” creatures dressed up in the yard, including life-size witches with brewing cauldrons and skeletons walking in a full cemetery. Just because the ground is frightening doesn’t mean the skies are safe, though. There will also be two skeletons on the roof, joined by a spirit floating around the house. On Halloween, the Mainses give out treats from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Those who are bigger fans of scarecrows than scary homes can follow the yellow brick road to 11812 N.W. 18th Ave., Vancouver, where they will find a “Wizard of Oz” themed house. There will be appearances from all the major characters in the film, including a large witch on the roof. The family will also have the original film playing on loop while the decorations are illuminated.
• Anyone who loves spiders should make their way to 1003 S.E. 99th Ave., Vancouver, where they can find a spider-themed Halloween display, complete with giant spiders and tons of webbing.
• The monsters get their time in the spotlight at Skip Schafer’s house, 2112 Lincoln Ave., Vancouver. His long front yard is full of creatures, which have stage lights in front of them to help them be seen at night. He also uses lighting effects to make it look like the creatures are moving. They’re joined by fog and lasers, as well as some audible scares, including creepy sounds recorded by Schafer himself, and recordings of thunder. “You can hear the house from two blocks away,” Schafer said.
• Two weeks of preparation at 9605 S.E. Fifth St., Vancouver, means a “spooky, frightful show,” according to one neighbor impressed by the level of detail put into the chilling display.
Happy haunting!
