News Summary
As Halloween approaches, Central Floridians are showcasing their creativity through impressive home decorations. The Orlando Sentinel’s third annual Spooky Awards highlights 15 standout haunted displays. Residents have embraced the season with everything from eerie fog machines to whimsical skeleton petting zoos. This community effort not only enhances local neighborhoods but also embodies the festive spirit of Halloween, inviting visitors to explore these imaginative transformations.
Orlando – Central Floridians have embraced the Halloween spirit with a display of creativity and enthusiasm as the spookiest season of the year approaches. In anticipation of the 2024 Halloween festivities, the Orlando Sentinel has spotlighted 15 remarkable haunted home displays through the third annual Spooky Awards, showcasing the dedication and imagination of local residents in transforming their homes into seasonal attractions.
This year, residents have gone all out decorating their yards with a variety of spooky elements, including tombstones, skeletons, pumpkins, and innovative light displays. Each homeowner has personalized their displays, offering a unique experience to visitors and fellow Halloween enthusiasts.
One of the standout entries is the Gothic cemetery display created by Jeff Earley and Kevin Cichon at their residence located at 2119 E. Jefferson St. in Orlando. Their display features fog machines that create an eerie atmosphere, drawing attention from those passing by. Similarly, George Case honors the memory of his late wife, Beatrice, through his Halloween yard at 1901 Mosher Drive, where he has installed handmade wooden cutouts that carry sentimental significance.
For those looking for a whimsical touch, a home at 1918 S. Ferncreek Ave. resembles the “Monster House” from the animated film, complete with a skeleton petting zoo from neighbors, adding a playful element to the scene. In Winter Park, Rhett Delaney has crafted a classic Halloween ambiance at his home on Aloma Avenue, utilizing clean and colorful lighting designed by Johannessen Lights.
A.J. Martinez in Windermere has gone a step further by transforming his garage into an interactive haunted house, featuring animatronics, which will be open from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on select dates throughout the Halloween season. Meanwhile, Randeeh and Grace Cruz’s home on 1362 Cavender Creek Road in Minneola dazzles with thousands of LED lights and animatronics that allow visitors to choose interactive songs, enhancing the festive experience.
Other notable displays include Aaron Johnsen’s “Midnight Cemetery” at 6276 Blue Sage Loop, which showcases hand-crafted fences and pillars. Devin Lunsford’s lawn at 5113 Ardmore Drive in Winter Park features a creepy graveyard setup complete with animatronics and blacklights, ensuring a frightful ambiance.
Shawn Tofte’s house at 1412 Ferris Ave. in Orlando surprises passersby with singing pumpkins and glowing decorations, while Keith and Kimberly have created an attractive “Windy Hill Cemetery” display with a haunted tree at 400 Belle Ayre Drive in Mount Dora. Al Ciullo’s home at 3704 Gatlin Place Circle boasts meticulously designed motorized displays complemented by singing pumpkins, showcasing homeowners’ dedication to their craft.
The Plaisted family is making a spectral impact at their property located at 231 Celebration Blvd. in Celebration, where sinister spirits enliven the Halloween spirit. On South Fern Creek Avenue, a particular display humorously depicts skeletons engaged in amusing scenarios, including one mowing over another. In Winter Park, one residence at 1283 Preserve Point Drive opts for a simple yet effective setup with purple, white, and orange lights, featuring a playful skeleton marching band.
Finally, a vibrant Halloween scene unfolds at a home located at 1530 Mizell Ave. in Winter Park, which boasts a conspicuous limo adorned with skeletons, contributing to the joyous Halloween spirit that pervades the area.
The enthusiastic dedication shown by Central Floridians to create these stunning displays not only reflects the celebration of Halloween but also fosters a sense of community as neighbors and visitors come together to appreciate the creativity and spirit of the season. As Halloween approaches, residents can look forward to exploring these spooky decorations that have transformed their neighborhoods into haunted showcases.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Spooky Awards 2024
- WFTV: Orlando’s Most Expensive Homes
- Fox 35 Orlando: House Fire in Altamonte Springs
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Mommy Poppins: Holiday Lights Near Orlando
