Lake Havasu Residential Halloween Displays Sure To Wow

By Janet Cruz

Halloween is just around the corner which means a lot of the prep work has gone into the works by residents to make their home ready for some trick-or-treating fun in their neighborhood.

Niki And Kevin Nickle

Havasu residents Niki and Kevin Nickle know too well the planning process to get their interactive and festive display up just right before the public steps into see their home.

“It takes us about six months to get it all planned out and ready to get our displays done,” said resident Niki Nickle. ” My mother in law also gets involved and volunteers with us. It is a whole family affair.”

Beetlejuice decor is set up for trick or treaters at the Nickle home. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The display includes LED lights, family friendly animatronics with ghosts, talking pumpkins and three witches and many more surprises which include Disney, “Beetle Juice” and other Tim Burton movie-themed props. There is also a photo backdrop display to take a picture with friends and family along the walk through path. Many of the props are handmade and painted. Others are store-bought to complete the decor.

“One of my favorite pieces here is our ‘Beetle Juice’ display. It took me a while to acquire him and finally this year we did,” Nickle said.

The idea of decorating and inviting the community began when the Nickles purchased their home in central Havasu. Growing up in Lake Havasu City, they loved trick or treating and wanted to provide that same experience to others in the community.

Beetlejuice decor is set up for trick or treaters at the Nickle home. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“When we bought our house we were just excited that we had stepped into trick-or-treat central. Years went by with no trick or treaters, until COVID closures hit in 2020 and the annual Fright Night event was canceled that year. That is when we went all out and provided a safe outdoor activity. Since then the number of props and displays has grown every year,” Nickle said.

To experience their displays, the public is invited to the 4th Annual Nickle House Backyard Walkthrough located at 150 Impala Lane. It is only open for two days on Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. It is free to attend. Open to all ages.

“Our hope is that we can continue to create a family friendly event and bring back that community feel,” said Nickle.

Melissa And Kent Spease

Locals Melissa and Kent Spease say it is a family tradition to get into the Halloween spirt each year with their festive inflatables and interactive walk-through path.

Their home includes a haunted graveyard with a pet cemetery, glow in the dark googly eyes and hidden treats along the walking path. There will be tasty treats as well.

“My husband Kent is a ‘go big or go home’-type of guy, so he makes sure to purchase the large-sized candy bars to give out,” says Melissa Spease “We don’t care how old you are all ages are welcome.”

Spooky decor is ready for Halloween enthusiasts at the Spease home. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Decorating starts about a month in advanced, to get items out of storage and arrange and plan the lay out since the family buys new inflatables to add each year to their collection.

“Our house is the brightly decorated one in our neighborhood, you just can’t miss us,” Spease said.

A tradition the Spease family loves to include is hosting one special night of trick or treating before Halloween for all the Main Street vendors and their families who often miss out on the traditional holiday since they have their businesses open during Fright Night on Main Street.

Spooky decor is ready for Halloween enthusiasts at the Spease home. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This allows the businesses and their families to enjoy the Halloween experience with their families before they are out working the Fright Night event,” Spease said.

To visit the “Spooktacular By Spease ” home, find them at 2341 San Juan Drive. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

For more decorated homes, make sure to check out The RiverScene Magazine Halloween Map at https://riverscenemagazine.com/house-submission-halloween-map/