Some people put a pumpkin on their porch, hang a few decorations, and call it Halloween. My sister Ramona and her late husband, Allen, took a considerably different approach. More than 40 years ago, they began a Halloween tradition at their home in West Valley City that would become something much bigger than a bowl of candy by the front door.

Allen loved decorating for Halloween. He would spend the entire month of October transforming their yard, adding something new almost every night. As Halloween approached, the decorations became more elaborate, until the big night arrived and the yard was a grand and amazing sight. Allen would dress as the Grim Reaper and greet the Halloween visitors without saying a single word. Somehow, his silence made him even more frightening.

This was truly a family tradition. Ramona and Allen’s entire family took part in the Halloween celebrations over the years. Their children grew up helping with the decorations and enjoying the excitement that came with transforming their home each October. As the children married and moved away, their involvement naturally changed, but the memories and traditions remained.

Sadly, Allen passed away 13 years ago. But the tradition he and Ramona started didn’t end with his passing. My sister continued decorating the yard, keeping alive something they had enjoyed together for so many years. What began as a husband-and-wife tradition became a lasting part of our family’s Halloween celebrations.

Today, the Damewood Haunted Yard is filled with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, skeletons, tombstones, ghosts, and enough spooky characters to make visitors wonder what might be waiting around the next corner. Add a live cast of costumed characters, and an ordinary front yard becomes quite the Halloween experience.

And then there are the treats. Ramona doesn’t settle for a handful of miniature candy bars. Her display includes bowls and cauldrons overflowing with candy, snacks, full-size treats, and even soda. It’s the kind of generosity that makes Halloween especially memorable for the children and families who visit.

I have been fortunate to live just two streets away from my sister for the past 25 years. During that time, my wife, our children, and I have enjoyed being part of this wonderful tradition. For the past 13 years, I’ve also helped Ramona put up and take down the decorations. I can tell you from personal experience that what visitors enjoy for one evening represents weeks of planning and an incredible amount of work.

But this year is different. After more than four decades, Ramona has decided that Halloween 2026 will be the final year of her elaborate Haunted Yard. The decorating has become almost a full-time job, and she would like to spend more of her Halloweens enjoying time with her grandchildren rather than preparing for the big night.

Naturally, she has mixed emotions. How do you bring something to a close that has been part of your life for more than 40 years? Especially something that holds so many memories of a husband you loved, children who grew up participating, and a tradition your family built together. But Ramona knows it’s time for a new chapter, one that will allow her to make different kinds of Halloween memories with her family.

I’m going to miss seeing the yard come alive each October. I’ll miss watching the decorations go up and seeing the excitement of the children who visit. But most of all, I’m grateful for the memories Allen, Ramona, and their family have given our family and so many others over the years.

The decorations may be coming down for the last time, but the memories they created will remain long after the Halloween lights have gone out.

Come Experience One Last Halloween!

Join us for the final year of the Damewood Haunted Yard. Enjoy the spooky decorations, meet the live cast of haunting characters, and don’t forget the great treats!

4173 South Burkman Way
West Valley City, Utah 84120