Halloween takes over Stephenville homes

BY DREW FLEMING / Multimedia Journalist

In October, the seasons change and fall officially sets into the atmosphere. With the weather change comes decorating for the new season: Halloween. 

The change of leaves from summer green to autumn colors of red, orange and yellow comes the celebration of All Hallows Eve. Scarecrows, ghosts and spider webs take over towns all across America. 

Instead of sunshine and pool days, October is filled with pumpkin patches and cooler weather. Here in Stephenville, there are plenty of spooky filled streets and neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in. 

There are various family traditions around decorating for fall and Halloween. There are many ways to show creativity through decorating for the Holiday. 

According to the Chandler Mansion Facebook, the mansion is, “an icon constructed in 1919 for the Chandler Family that still stands in the heart of Stephenville. The mansion was restored by Vance and Amy Wade.” 

“This is our first Halloween in the home, we’ll see Thursday. I have a feeling it’s going to be nuts,” said Wade. 

Community is a valuable part of living in Stephenville. With that comes local businesses. Local business, Lida’s Bakery has plenty of decorations for customers to “oooo” and “ahhhh” over. 

Courtney Elleby is the owner of Lida’s bakery. 

“I like when the leaves change and the weather, it brings on Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Elleby said.  

Elleby said the bakery enjoys decorating for every holiday. Their annual tradition for Halloween is putting up a life size Micheal Myers mannequin to spooks customers and passersby. 
Tori Green is an employee of Lida’s bakery. 

“It really makes me happy when all the kids come in and want to give the life-size ghost a high-five, it’s so sweet. Or when older customers get scared by Micheal Myers,” Green said. 
The decorations are welcoming and greet customers. The calming autumn colors and spooky decorations create a comfortable climate. 

“I think decorating makes it a little homier, reminds me of when I was a kid and my grandma always decorated,” said Elleby. 

Houses and businesses, decorating means something different to everyone. Being festive and in the Halloween spirit adds a whole new level of celebration and holiday spirit.