Feature Story: Abilene Evil Walks The Streets Of Our City

Abilene Underworld Exposed for a night of Fun

by Lisa Eastman

Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for Abilene kids. Abilene is a special place for kids to grow up and Halloween is probably one of the best examples of this. Rather than trick-or-treating in malls, kids dress up and collect candy in regular neighborhoods here. Although one particular neighborhood has become very popular in recent years.

Black cat at the Young’s house on Vine Street adds to the authenticity of the Halloween celebration - photo by Lisa Eastman

Lester and Ann Young moved to the 400 block of North Vine Street 27 years ago. About 10 years ago they decided to go all out on Halloween decorations. Young says, "Our grandson and his wife and 2 kids had moved in with us for a little while. So, we did it for them." Everyone enjoyed it so much that they have continued with their elaborate displays over the years. The 5 different fog machines along with speakers blasting the likes of CCR’s “Bad Moon Rising” makes for a fun experience that’s not to be missed.

Hotdogs at the Moore's front porch - photo by Lisa Eastman

Tim and Tara Moore, although relative newcomers on the block, have become very well known as the people with the hotdogs. They pass out hotdogs every year on their front porch to adults and children alike. They are likely the only reason that parents hurrying to get kids ready to make the rounds get any dinner on this busy night. You will see many grateful parents eating hotdogs as they accompany their kids down the street.

Giant pumpkin monster on the Moore's Front Porch

Mummy at the Moore's - photot by Lisa Eastman

Next door to the Moore home is the Royer’s. Hank and Jo Royer are known for passing out Twinkies, a favorite with the kids and the perfect desert for a hotdog dinner.

Joey Scaletta and Marcus Gann moved to North Vine Street in 2008. According to Gann, they had heard stories from neighbors about Halloween in the neighborhood being a big event. Their debut display was one of the best to be found, with a pirate ship theme. Gann simply says, “I’ve always liked Halloween.”

Monster Mash - photo by Lisa Eastman

Monster Mash - photo by Lisa Eastman

They usually plan out what they are going to do each year about a month in advance. The pirate ship has been followed by other great themes such as a haunted hospital (especially amusing given the fact that Gann is our local surgeon) and this year’s monster mash theme. If you want candy, you’ve got to get out and show your moves.

Gargoyle at the Gabay’s - photo by Lisa Eastman

Gabay's graveyard - photo by Lisa Eastman

The Gabay family, dad Steve, mom Cathy and sons Adam and Jon, transform their yard every year. Last year it was “An American Horror Story” style haunted circus.This year the front yard saw the addition of a wrought iron fence surrounding a graveyard. The entrance to the graveyard was guarded by gargoyles glowing with red lights.

Robin Black and Duane Shrag - photo by Lisa Eestman

Robin Black and Duane Schrag terrified small children again this year with their simple burka costumes. They were completely silent and covered in black from head to toe, adding to the eerie scene. Schrag stood immobile as Black slid a glove covered hand from beneath her burka to pass out a candy eye to any child brave enough to approach.

Around the corner on NW 3rd Street, there were a variety of decorations to enjoy. But you had to be careful. There was a guy known to be on the street with a chainsaw on that particular night.

Stock tank at the Collins' - photo by Lisa Eastman

One of the new and not-so-scary displays this year was in front of Amanda Collins’ house and sponsored by New Trail Fellowship Church. Children had fun pulling bags of candy from a large stock tank filled with oats.

Collins' home - photo by Lisa Eastman

Collins’ estimates of the number of trick-or-treater’s out in the neighborhood was 900-1000.

Local residents applaud the efforts of the City of Abilene in keeping kids safe by blocking off NW 3rd Street from Mulberry Street to Pine Street for Halloween evening.

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