Brooklyn Center Halloween House Ready To Serve Up Scares
A Brooklyn Center homeowner is continuing his annual Halloween house tradition. Michael Crenshaw invites neighbors to come check it out for even more frights this time around.
Inspired by a St. Paul house he remembers from his childhood, Crenshaw wanted to create memories for families just like his own.
“There was a house that was always decked out to the nines, I always had to go there,” Crenshaw said. “I was like: ‘One of these days, when I get a place, I want to do the same thing.’ It’s something about that childhood memory and the connection with the community.”
One of the newest additions is a fortune-teller who responds to your questions. Crenshaw’s also added a new gate, repositioned the skeletons and said he or his son will be unveiling an all-new costume on Halloween night.
The tombstones have messages too — both witty and sincere. He also said some other surprises are also in store.
“There might be an old TV around somewhere, that you might want to turn on and see what happens,” Crenshaw said.
One of Crenshaw’s latest additions is the fortune-telling skeleton. It is activated by motion, and answers your questions with the push of a button.
Frightfully Creative
The majority of Crenshaw’s display is handmade. Gates made from PVC pipes, skeletons doused in spray foam and a children’s playhouse repurposed as a home for an Annabelle doll. He said he prefers the scary part of Halloween and the creative things he can do.
“This takes a couple months to put together. It’s a thought-out plan of how everything will be laid out,” Crenshaw said.
However, describing the lawn as its “nuts-and-bolts” takes away from the spectacle it is. Color, lighting and creativity makes it stand out in his neighborhood. He said he usually gets 90-100 visitors a year.
“I’ve got one neighbor that actually wants to come over and be a part of Halloween night,” Crenshaw said. “I’ve got plenty of costumes! Let’s make this a big-time event!”
Crenshaw’s house is best viewed at night — on Halloween night, specifically. You can visit it in all its glory at nightfall on Oct. 31. His address is 5313 68th Avenue North Brooklyn Center.
He said his whole family is involved. It’ll be a frightful night– with full-sized candy bars.
If you can’t make it this year, Crenshaw said next year will be the biggest yet.
Halloween visitors will walk through this handmade entryway. Crenshaw said he reconstructed this decoration from last year.
