In Las Vegas, some homeowners are taking Halloween decorations to a new level, transforming their properties into elaborate, immersive experiences that draw thousands of visitors. These displays are not just about placing a few skeletons on the lawn; they are meticulously planned productions, often involving entire communities and months of preparation.
From a cul-de-sac that becomes a new themed world for one night only to a front yard that recreates a classic horror film with custom animatronics, these residents are showcasing a remarkable level of creativity and dedication. Their efforts are turning quiet suburban streets into major seasonal attractions.
Key Takeaways
- A group of neighbors in Anthem Country Club has created a one-day-only themed Halloween event for over 20 years, attracting thousands of trick-or-treaters.
- Another Las Vegas couple builds detailed, animatronic scenes from classic horror movies, emphasizing recycled and repurposed materials.
- These displays are community-driven, with new residents often joining in the traditions and neighbors offering support.
- Preparation for these elaborate setups begins months in advance and involves significant personal time and effort.
The One-Night-Only Halloween Spectacle
For more than two decades, a quiet cul-de-sac in the Anthem Country Club has been the site of a remarkable Halloween tradition. What started as a small effort to do something special for neighborhood children has evolved into a massive, single-day event.
Carmen Benedict, a resident for 21 years, is one of the original organizers. She and her neighbors collaborate on a new theme each year, keeping it a closely guarded secret until Halloween morning. On October 31, they begin work at 6 a.m., transforming their five homes into a cohesive, immersive world.
"We had many kids coming through, so we got together and wanted to do something special," Benedict explained. "Each year, we develop a theme, and everyone creates their own interpretation or contributes to it."
A New World Every Year
The themes have varied widely over the years, from a Western ghost town and a spooky pirate cove to "Alice in Hollowland" and a ghoulish wedding. For the ghost town theme, the neighbors even rented a mechanical bull and placed it in the center of the street for everyone to ride.
"We had everybody from 2-year-old babies to 80-year-old grandmas riding it all night."
Another memorable year featured a Day of the Dead theme, where the entire cul-de-sac was unified by a vibrant color palette and hundreds of paper lanterns strung between the houses. Benedict created a large ofrenda, or altar, using cardboard boxes covered in black velvet and adorned with photos and artifacts.
By the Numbers
On a busy Halloween night, Carmen Benedict has counted over 4,000 trick-or-treaters in a five-hour window. She personally goes through 10 to 12 of the largest bags of candy available, often supplemented by donations from other visitors who come to see the display.
The magic is intentionally fleeting. The decorations go up on Halloween morning and are completely dismantled by 9:30 p.m. that same night. "It’s so much fun because we wait until the last day," Benedict said. "People drive up and down the street to see if anything is up and what the theme is this year."
Horror Movie Magic in a Front Yard
Across town, another Halloween display offers a different kind of immersive experience, focusing on the spine-chilling detail of classic horror films. Shay Kwasneski and Bryan Belch have turned their small front yard into a must-see stop for horror enthusiasts.
This year, they have recreated a scene from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" on an 8-by-10-foot platform. The display features the character Leatherface, holding a chainsaw in a doorway, while a retro television plays 70s music videos. The entire scene is automated and interactive.
When motion sensors detect an audience, the lights dim, the TV screen flashes a warning, and screams fill the air. Leatherface then lurches forward as smoke billows around him, accompanied by the roar of his chainsaw. Another animatronic character, Grandpa Sawyer, sits nearby, his head turning ominously.
A Sustainable Scare
Kwasneski, who works for the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability, is passionate about making their displays affordable and eco-friendly. The couple spends months scouting thrift stores and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace for authentic period props that can be repurposed.
"We don’t want to keep using new stuff and being wasteful," Kwasneski stated. "We want to show people you can do this affordably."
The Animatronic Architect
Bryan Belch, an HVAC technician, is the technical mind behind the operation. He handcrafts the animatronic figures using materials like electrical piping, aluminum, and pool noodles. He then programs the entire sequence of lights, sounds, and movements using a central console controlled by a smart device.
"I’m tweaking all the way up to Halloween," Belch said. "I’m always adding to it."
This is the fifth major display the couple has created since they started in 2020 during the pandemic to lift neighborhood spirits. What began with a simple Michael Myers scene has grown into a highly anticipated annual event.
"This is our favorite time of the year," Kwasneski shared. "There is something about Halloween and its horror aspect. I think it’s because we grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s when horror movies were at their prime. There is a bit of nostalgia behind it."
A Labor of Love for the Community
Despite the different approaches, both sets of creators share a common motivation: a love for the holiday and a desire to create memorable experiences for their community. In Anthem, the tradition has persisted even as homeowners have changed. New residents have enthusiastically joined the decorating efforts.
"We’ve gotten to see the kids grow up," Benedict reflected. "And a whole new generation of kids is starting to come. It gives us such joy to make a memory for someone else’s kids."
For Kwasneski and Belch, community feedback is also essential. They consult with their neighbors to ensure their horror-themed display remains fun and not frightening for young children.
"We always do a temperature check with our neighbors," Kwasneski said. "We don’t want anyone to have nightmares over it. Our neighbors love it and encourage us."
As Halloween approaches, these dedicated creators are putting the final touches on their displays. Their work represents a growing trend where the spirit of the holiday is expressed not just with candy and costumes, but with creativity, engineering, and a deep commitment to community.
