91ԭ’s Yorkson neighbourhood has something spook-tacular to offer this Halloween.
For 11 years, the Condon family on 209A Street (dubbed “209Eh Street”) has hosted large displays of Halloween decorations ranging from zombie to pirate themes. They have also mixed it up with Star Wars and creepy carnival themes over the years as well.
This year, the family is bringing back a Western tombstone ghost town theme.
“We’ve always loved Halloween,” said Tammy Condon, who created the ‘Halloween of Yorkson’ Facebook community page with her husband, Derek.
“Our kids were aging out of trick-or-treating but we weren’t ready to let it go,” she told the 91ԭ Advance Times.
The bulk of the displays are designed and built by Derek, who sources free materials such as old mattresses, box spring frames, crates, old fences, rope, netting, and painter clothes.
Animatronics and skeletons, however, are bought.
“We were living in a neighbourhood that we wanted to get to know better. In the spirit of inclusivity, we started making ourselves really present and part of the displays, engaging with all passerby’s, welcoming them to a closer look, [and] often introducing them to our African grey parrot, Kia,” shared Tammy.
Now, 209A Street has several homes hosting large, extraordinary displays for Halloween.
“The whole street is quite the spectacle to see – especially after dark. We have a Harry Potter house, a full house projection, a mishmash of movie-themed characters, a creepy doll house, and several skeletal graveyard styled homes,” she said.
Last year, Tammy estimated more than 2,000 trick-or-treaters visited her home’s ghost town display, and she anticipates about the same this Halloween.
Over the years, the Condons have raised more than $30,000 for charity, including Canuck Place, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Greyhaven. However, they decided to make the display free for all to enjoy and admire this year.
“We’ve recognized the significant impact of inflation on everything, and we’re happy to host all our guests without them feeling the need to dig deep into their pockets,” Tammy said.
Next year she hopes to return the charity element.
“We are the type of neighbours that are truly watching out for one another… What we call our 209Eh Street family.”
On Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 209A Street will be lit up with all kinds of unique displays, including the Condons ghost town.
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