MOKENA, IL (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Halloween is finally here! Across south suburban Mokena, residents say the holiday is a way of life.
"Halloween has been a lifestyle. We start usually setting up in August and then we'll take another month after Halloween getting it all down. So it's four months of our life," said Nicole Jasper.
The town does a Halloween house decorations contest every year with two categories: Amateur Ogres and Master Monsters. The Monster category is held for those who have previously won the Ogres competition. Jasper won first place in the Ogres level during the pandemic. This year, she won second place in the Monsters category.
"Everyone enjoys it; everyone appreciates it," said Jasper. "We're a fun community."
Her 'Halloweentown on Regent' display is packed with giant skeletons, animatronic witches and pumpkins who sing along to "Ghostbusters." Jasper said she sometimes has 12-hour days setting up her giant decorations but enjoys creating the diabolical display with her husband and four children.
"Halloween is everynight; it's not just one night for us," said Jasper.
Jasper said she truly loves seeing her community come together and celebrate the holiday. The judging for the contest is a community affair. Starting early in October, community judges base their score on creativity, originality, theme, musical effects, lighting and overall layout.
"My husband does the decorations. He's been doing it since 2017. He's been adding a little bit every year," said Brittany Herman.
About 10 minutes away from the Jasper residence is the Herman House. Brittany's husband, Gabe, dresses up as Micheal Myers and scares community members while walking through his homemade house of bone-chilling Halloween decorations.
AnnMarie Welser
"He puts in a lot of work, effort and time," said Herman, "It means a lot to him."
Gabe grew up in the house on 116th Avenue, decorating annually with his father. Now, he is the first place winner of the Mokena Master Monsters competition.
The house is equipped with animatronic electrocuted zombies, a haunted cemetery, giant werewolves and so much more.
The House of Frights Contest isn't the only holiday themed event that brings the Mokena community together. The community park district plans to do a Free Holiday Lights Contest in December.
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