$3.9 Billion Dollars on Decorations

It is estimated that Americans will spend $12.2 billion dollars on Halloween candy, costumes and decorations. $3.9 billion of that will be for decorations. This was not the case when I used to go trick-or-treating. Back then someone might have a sheet over a beach ball hanging from a tree and usually a carved pumpkin on the porch. However the candy bars were full sized,

UV Lights and Tesla Coils

I did my own mad scientist decorations when my kids were young. I would set up a black light, have some spooky music and fire up a high voltage tesla coil. I also had a Jacob’s ladder fashioned from a neon light high voltage transformer, I just had to be careful not to electrocute any of the neighbor kids. I had no outdoor decorations though, not even a sheet hanging from a tree and certainly no skeletons.

Inflatables

A lot of the house in New Ipswich put out a collection of inflatable monsters for Halloween. They are illuminated and include sound effects. The Frankenstein on the toilet produces some rather rude noises. These aren’t very scary which makes them appropriate for the younger crowd.

The Philip Damiani Display

Last year (2022) I learned of a truly elaborate display in New Ipswich with some genuinely creepy props. I visited several times because I wanted to see it during the day and at night. Philip and his son had created quite a world of terror on their lawn. Last summer I was sad to hear that they have moved out of state, so that corner of our town will be bereft of the undead this Halloween.