Anoka's Halloween house decorating contest has named a winner. Per Fox9, the top family-friendly pick is the Monster House at 1318 Sunny Ln. Public viewing runs October 30 and 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
If you're nearby, that's an easy night out. If you're not, it's a good excuse to think about what makes a display like this work, and how to borrow the approach for your own porch, yard, or apartment door without a big spend.
Visiting the Monster House: the basics
Here's what Fox9 reports:
- Where: 1318 Sunny Ln., Anoka
- When: October 30 and 31
- Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
That's all the source confirms, so check local Anoka channels for anything else, like parking or crowd info, before you go. A few common-sense moves help with any neighborhood display:
- Go early in the window if you have little kids. Earlier usually means shorter attention-span problems later.
- Dress warm. Late October evenings in Minnesota can be cold, and standing still to look at decorations makes it feel colder.
- Be a good neighbor. Keep voices down, stay off lawns, and don't block driveways.
Why a "family-friendly" theme works
The Monster House was picked as the top family-friendly display. That label is a useful design clue. Friendly monsters, as opposed to gore, mean everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy the same yard. A playful theme also photographs well and tends to invite people to linger.
This is my take rather than anything reported: a single clear theme usually reads better than a pile of unrelated decorations. When every piece says "monster," the whole yard feels intentional, even if each item is simple.
Borrow the idea: a themed display on any budget
You don't need a big lawn. Pick one theme and scale it to your space.
Small spaces: apartment door or balcony
- Make a monster face from construction paper or craft foam: big eyes, jagged teeth, maybe a fuzzy border.
- Hang a short string of orange or green lights along the doorframe.
- Add one doormat or wreath that fits the theme. One strong piece beats five crowded ones.
Medium spaces: porch or stoop
- Paint or wrap pumpkins as monsters with googly eyes, felt horns, and yarn hair.
- Use a bedsheet or old fabric to make a simple hanging creature.
- Group items in odd numbers, like three pumpkins at different heights, so the arrangement looks styled.
Bigger yards
- Build one "hero" piece, such as a large cardboard monster with a cutout face, and surround it with smaller details.
- Use lighting to do the work. Colored bulbs or spotlights aimed at the main feature make cheap props look dramatic after dark.
- Leave a clear walking path so visitors, and trick-or-treaters, can see everything safely.
Quick DIY: a cardboard monster for under a few dollars
- Cut a large shape from a spare box, like a tall rectangle with rounded corners.
- Paint it in a bold color. Craft paint or leftover wall paint both work.
- Add oversized eyes using paper plates and black circles.
- Cut a wide mouth and glue on white paper teeth.
- Prop it against the house or brace it with a stake or heavy planter so wind can't take it down.
Seal it with a clear spray or keep it under cover if rain is in the forecast, since cardboard softens when wet.
Make it look good after dark
Most people see Halloween displays at night, so lighting matters more than the props themselves. Aim for a few light sources at different heights: a string light along the roofline, a spotlight on your focal piece, and maybe a glowing pumpkin on the steps. Check that any outdoor lights and cords are rated for outdoor use, and keep cords out of walkways.
Make an evening of it
The Monster House is a good anchor for a low-effort outing. Grab hot cider on the way, let the kids wear their costumes, and take photos from the sidewalk. Then drive home and look at your own porch with fresh eyes. One theme, one focal point, good lighting: that's most of the formula.
If you can only do one thing before Halloween, pick your theme tonight and build a single standout piece. Everything else can be simple.
