Some Halloween decorations involve only a jack-o-lantern and a few cobwebs.
Midtown Cemetery Halloween Extravaganza Proprietor K.L. Sheldon far exceeds such simple elements. He turns his entire garage into a display of horror.
Sheldon said his collection grew from 13 tombstones 11 years ago. Since then, his items have gotten more sophisticated.
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Sheffield's Shop of Horrors
Electricity powers moving skeletons, which Sheldon said he waits to turn on when visitors have ventured right next to them. This maximizes their scary effects.
Children especially enjoy the bottomless pit, Sheldon said, which gives the illusion of a hole in the ground with no end. The item uses mirrors to pull off the trick, he said.
A dark closet contains a mechanical wolf which lunges forward. While inside, only its green eyes provide light.
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Times Observer photo by Colin Kyler
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A bubble machine also draws a lot of attention, Sheldon said. Parents who bring their children often stay outside of the garage, he said, where they grab at the bubbles.
Some of the additions go beyond startling visitors, Sheldon said, and include gruesome depictions of body parts. He admitted his wife thinks such elements go too far.
People of all ages come to see the display, Sheldon said, including newborns. The very young do not know enough to feel afraid, he said, with the most anxious visitors in the 8 to 9 year range.
"Some will not set foot inside," Sheldon said. "Others love it."
Almost 500 people came last year, Sheldon said. During the two and one half hours of trick or treating, he said 280 arrived.
The display demands a full four weekends of work, Sheldon said, besides the time he spends the rest of the year building the pieces. Annually, he said it costs around $1,500.
Anybody who wants to visit the residence at 4 1st Mill St. in Sheffield can, Sheldon said. He said it will be open on Friday evening as well as the afternoon and evenings of Saturday and Sunday.
Instead of candy, Sheldon said he plans to give glowing bracelets. He noted they provide a healthier and safer alternative.