TYLER, Texas — Halloween is just around the corner, and while some people are already talking about the holiday season, other Tylerites have been planning this night for a year.
Emily Gora-Delk and her husband live in Tyler’s Azalea District. They love decorate and create, and don’t let anything stop them from putting on their best Halloween display.
"We didn’t live in our house for a whole year and we still kind of decorated while it was under construction but last year when we came back in we were like ok we have to do it bigger and better so last year we were Barbie dream house, and this year we are pirates," Gora-Delk said.
The months of work putting together their displays are worth it when they get to see the reactions of visitors.
"I just absolutely love to see people’s faces when they drive by, or especially on Halloween when the kids are just like ‘oh my gosh this is amazing’, so I would do it 100 times over just to see how excited people get," Gora-Delk said.
Plenty of people seem to make a stop at their house while on their route. In fact, she estimates they gave out more than 3,000 pieces of candy last year.
It's a fun and lighthearted way to bring the community together, and all are invited.
"The more the merrier! Come on, drive in here, park your car, walk around," Gora-Delk said.
If you walk just up the street, you’ll find another great display of Halloween décor that transports you into the land of Oz.
"I have always loved Halloween, there was never a time I didn’t," neighbor and Halloween enthusiast Ashly Mellor said.
Mellor may also love to decorate, but she said it's really all about letting kids be themselves.
"We just love a little bit of fun! For us it’s letting kids be whoever they want to be for a night, whatever that is," Mellor said.
Just like Gora-Delk, planning their elaborate display is a year round process. Building the props started in the Summer, and a lot of time is poured into each theme.
"The shoes alone this year took 80 hours. Every theme depending on how far we go into it or how big it is, it's 100 plus hours. We start building in August," Mellor said.
Whether you’re a repeat visitor or ready to join in on this neighborhood’s fun for the first time, just know it won’t be ending anytime soon, as Mellor said themes have already been discussed and decided for next year.
To find locations of these houses and a map of street closures in the Azalea District on Oct. 31, click HERE.