For the Meyer-Wendorf family, Halloween isn’t just one night a year, it’s a whole lifestyle.
The Sandgate locals are famous for putting on one of the 4017’s best Halloween displays each October but entering their home months before the event and seeing decorative pumpkins on the table, it’s clear the spooky spirit operates all year round.
Mum Jodie said she “blames” her American husband Brett, and her own mother, for the Halloween obsession.
“Brett being American obviously makes it a big deal, and Halloween has grown so much in Australia in recent years, it’s amazing,” she said.
“Also, my mum goes into the 4KQ Christmas Lights competition each year and she’s won many times, so just getting together as a family and decorating, it’s how we’ve bonded over the years.”
Daughter Ashleigh said planning for Halloween starts a year in advance.
“Halloween is so much fun, and we have built up a collection of decorations over the years, we have costumes, we have animatronics and we always have a theme,” she said.
The 2023 theme was Barbie’s House of Horror and this year, it’s Beetlejuice.
“This year, Beetlejuice will be taking over Barbie’s house, so we have some elements there from last year and we’re reworking it,” Ashleigh said.
“We start decorating on October 1, but the final finishing touches for the walk-through are done on the day – it’s a lot of work, but we just love it.”
Join the Spooky Halloween House Experience This October
Jodie added she loved the way the community had embraced their Halloween hijinks.
“The street was packed last year, and we actually had people coming and donating candy to us so we wouldn’t run out,” she said.
“We some teenagers who came in like, ‘Oh, I’m not scared’ and by the end, they were running out screaming. We love it!
“But we do tone it down for little ones, not so many jump scares for them.”
Jodie said they were looking forward to this year’s spook fest.
“We’re inspired by other creative people as well and everyone in this area supports each other,” she said.
“It’s a lot of fun, people love it, and for our family, it’s something we can do together.”
If you’re ready to be scared, head to 248 Brighton Road Sandgate, on Thursday, 31 October from 5pm.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Mad Mob Social Group Hosts Barefoot Bowls Fundraiser
- Celebrate the Bayside at Sunset Soiree
- A Festive Photo Shoot to Bark Up the Christmas Tree
- Charity Founder Honoured
- Join Scenic Kangaroo Walk with Expert Insights
- Your Guide to the State Election
- Opinion Piece: Mental Health Week
- Sandgate in the Great Depression
- Dublin Rose Crowned People’s Choice at Music Awards Night
- Move Over Central Perk – Deagon’s Newest Café Offers Its Own Friendly Vibes
- Tee Off with Ghostly Glee at Spooky Putt Putt
