Local residents once again conjured their creativity this October to turn Toluca Lake into a scary showplace, with the fifth annual Halloween House-Decorating Contest sponsored by Tina Smith Homes offering additional incentive for neighbors to go all-out in the spirit of friendly competition. “There were so many amazing entries this year!” Smith exclaimed.
Ultimately, Bob and Cindy Wexler captured best-in-show honors by growing a real, live pumpkin patch on the front lawn of their home on Navajo, topped off with an enormous, glowing inflatable jack-o’-lantern. Just down the street, Haig Youredjian and Greg Weaver won the award for the most creative display with an extravaganza that included a graveyard, zombies, spiders, skeletons, Beetlejuice and an enormous sandworm emerging from the roof. The “Carnevil” created by Kelly Simon and her family on South Valley snagged the prize for spookiest entry with its booths manned by skeletons and creepy clowns. And in the new category for cutest décor, Gregg Birkhimer and Evan Mitchell took the top spot for their magical, incredibly detailed Nightmare Before Christmas homage on Clybourn.
Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who helped bring thrills, chills and fun to the neighborhood during this spooky season!
