Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More

Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.

Please enter a valid zipcode.

CUDAHY, Wis. — Halloween houses are popping up all over the state this time of year, but for one couple, it’s been a hobby for decades.

In the Perkins’ family, October is the best month out of the year. Bernadine and Michael Perkins often spend their evenings sitting side by side outside their home on Morris Avenue in Cudahy, pressing buttons on their remotes to activate characters while they wait to scare families walking by.

For over 35 years, the pair has been decking out their yard with interactive displays. Most are spooky, but that’s part of the experience hundreds of people come to see each year. The display has even overflowed into their neighbor’s yard to fit more ghouls and witches into their haunted display.

“It is such a far cry from where we started at, with a 10-year-old kid saying, ‘I want to decorate for Halloween’ and this is what it goes to,” Bernadine Perkins said.

Their house has turned into a staple for the Cudahy community over the years. Bernadine Perkins’ birthday just to happens to be on Halloween too, which makes this holiday more near and dear to her heart.

“They are going to remember this house when we are gone,” she said.

While the Perkins aren’t going anywhere, this year will unfortunately be their last with this iconic display.

“I’m going to miss it. I will,” Bernadine’s husband, Michael Perkins said.

Bernadine Perkins was emotional when thinking about having to say goodbye after all these years.

“It’s my baby,” she said.

The pair has had a long run, but they said they know it’s time to say goodbye to something that’s brought them and their community so much joy.

“He’s 75. It’s hard for him to go up the ladder up and off the ground. I don’t want to lose him. Some have got to call it quits,” Bernadine Perkins said.

In fact, they have already sold every item in their yard. The two are emotional about it, but said they know deep down the impact they have been able to make in the community after all these years.

They said they are proud of what they created for the community and are looking forward to soaking it in one last time.