The story behind Plover’s ‘Halloween House’

By Ashley Wage
Metro Wire Community Journalist

PLOVER – “We’re known as the Halloween house,” said Tina Carr of Plover. “The school buses even stop out front so the kids can see what’s new in the yard every day.”

For nearly 20 years, Tina and her husband, Larry Carr, have been turning their home into a Halloween destination.

“Before we got together, she used to decorate, and I did too with friends,” Larry said. “We decided to do it together, and it just grew from there.”

The couple began the tradition in Michigan in 2005 and brought it to Plover in 2016, where it quickly became a neighborhood favorite. What started with a few inflatable decorations and Halloween lights has grown into hundreds of props and handmade creations — from a skeleton as tall as their house to hand-painted eyeballs and gummy intestines.

Each year, the Carrs add something new, and today the display fills nearly their entire yard. In the past, visitors admired the decorations from the street and driveway, but this year the couple redesigned the layout to include a walking path.

Visitors can now get an up-close look at the witches’ table and alchemy bar, two of Tina’s favorite scenes in the display.

“Last year, people wanted to walk through, but it wasn’t safe,” Larry said. “This year we built the whole thing so people — even those using wheelchairs or strollers — can get through.”

The new layout also allows Tina to navigate the yard in her wheelchair as she adds finishing touches to each piece. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, she continues to handcraft and paint nearly every decoration herself.

“That witches’ table — I spent a lot of time on that,” Tina said. “Everything on it is handmade.”

Her attention to detail carries into the alchemy bar, where bottles hold sparkling potions she’s been perfecting for years. “My alchemy bar makes potions that actually swirl around,” she said.

The visual celebration is only the beginning of what visitors will find at the Halloween House. Some say the Carrs have the best treats in town — and maybe a few tricks, too.

Last year they handed out 400 treat bags. This year, they’re preparing for 600, complete with juice boxes, chips, gummies, baby pouches, and even Jell-O shots for adults.

“Halloween night feels like a block party,” Tina said.

The community looks forward to watching the display come together each fall. The Carrs usually begin decorating in early October, sometimes as early as September, just to give neighbors a teaser that “it’s coming.” School buses stop in front of their home each day to see what new prop has gone up.

“We have a little neighbor boy who comes every single day — he rings his bike bell all the way down the street,” Tina said, laughing.

The setup takes nearly the whole month, and teardown takes about two days — a routine they’ve perfected over their 20 years together.

“We’re like a well-oiled machine,” Tina said. “He brings it in, I dry it out — everything’s wrapped and put away in two days.”

Then, she added with a grin, “I sing a song to my zombie babies when I put them away.”

Over the years, the Carrs have met countless neighbors and visitors, many who return every Halloween.

“We’ve met so many people we never would have otherwise,” Tina said. “It’s become a community thing — people look forward to it every year.”

Some even travel from out of state. One woman, Tina said, plans her vacation to visit her sister just so she can bring her nieces and nephews to see the display.

The couple’s goal is simple: to give everyone a safe, fun place to celebrate. Tina invites anyone to stop by — especially those who might not have another place to go.

“We just want everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween,” she said. “If they don’t have anywhere else to go, they can come here.”

The Wicked Mayhem on Norway Pine display is located at 2000 Norway Pine Drive, Plover, and is open nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. Visitors are welcome to drive by or stop to explore the yard. The big Halloween celebration is planned for Friday night, when the Carrs promise a full night of lights, music, and spooky fun.

Follow the Carrs and see photos of this year’s display on Facebook at Wicked Mayhem on Norway Pine.