Every year, right after Labor Day, Sid Simandl starts sorting out his Halloween décor.
He begins early because it takes weeks for him and his wife, Kathy, to create a haunted attraction that will, well, raise people’s spirits.
“It started out small, just a little display. And, each year, it just got a little bit bigger and a little bit bigger. It’s taken on a life of its own,” said Simandl, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, just off Wesley Chapel Boulevard.
“We change it every year. We do new props every year,” said Simandl, noting the display has 68 props, including many that light up and are animated.
The attraction has developed a reputation.
“Everyone knows that’s the Halloween House,” said John Higgins, who lives next door to the Simandls.
Hundreds of people typically drop by the house, at 3651 Mossy Oak Circle, on Halloween night — the only night the display is open, Simandl said.
For many, the annual visit has become a ritual.
Simandl has been setting up his display for 18 years.
It’s never quite the same, from year to year.
Typically, he has constructed a Haunted House, inside his garage, which people would tour through.
But, this year, he’s changing that up because of a need for COVID-19 precautions and to provide social distancing.
Instead of traipsing through an enclosed Haunted House, visitors will be able to check out a haunted trail, outdoors.
This year, there’s also a bonus: “We’re actually sponsoring a movie in the park at 9 o’clock (p.m.) We’re right across the street from the rec center,” Simandl said.
There’s no admission charge to visit the Halloween display or to watch “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” but nonperishable foods and canned goods are being accepted for a local food pantry, Higgins said.
The annual Halloween display at the Simandls is fun for both children and adults, Simandl said. It has become a tradition in the neighborhood: “There’s a whole group of us that gets together and hangs out,” he said.
Typically, trick-or-treaters start showing up around 6:30 p.m., on Halloween.
Besides getting a feast for the eyes, the kids get a fistful of candy, too.
That’s because a lot of his neighbors hang out in the driveway, and the trick-or-treaters each get six or seven pieces of candy.
Higgins praised his neighbor, for creating such a nice experience for families and kids.
“He just does it for the pure joy of it,” Higgins said, noting that the couple’s children are grown and live out of town.
Simandl who has nicknamed himself “Mr. Halloween,” puts on a pumpkin sports coat for the occasion.
“It’s my favorite holiday,” he said.
He and his wife have a solitary goal, in sharing their seasonal showcase: “We want them to love Halloween as much as we do,” he said.
Typically, the last trick-or-treaters trickle in around 9 p.m., or shortly after, but this year that could be later, because Halloween is on Saturday.
All are welcome, Simandl said.
“We’re there until the last ghost goes home,” he said.
Check out Halloween décor galore
What: Visit a haunted Halloween trail in the yard at Sid and Kathy Simandl’s home. Dozens of animated and lighted props will be on display.
Where: 3651 Mossy Oak Circle, Land O’ Lakes
When: Oct. 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; nonperishable foods and canned goods will be accepted to benefit a local food pantry.
Watch a spooky movie
What: Sid and Kathy Simandl are hosting a free outdoor Halloween movie at the Stagecoach park.
What: A screening of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”
Where: 3632 Mossy Oak Circle, Land O’ Lakes
When: Oct. 31 at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; nonperishable foods and canned goods will be accepted to benefit a local food pantry.
Published October 28, 2020