The Spooky Spectacle of Queens: A Father-Son Tradition

In the heart of Little Neck, Queens, a father-son duo has been conjuring up a spooky spectacle that draws in crowds from far and wide. For the past decade, Steven and Cameron Gutmann have been transforming their front lawn into a haunted haven, complete with towering skeletons, cackling clowns, and hyperrealistic witches.

The Gutmanns’ Halloween display has become a beloved tradition in Little Neck, Queens.

The display, which takes months of planning, has evolved into an elaborate collection of spooky statues and otherworldly animatronics. Some of these eerie creations are even programmed to pop out at unsuspecting passersby with the push of a remote control button.

The Gutmanns’ display features an array of spooky statues and animatronics.

While the display draws in hundreds of visitors each day, some people are too scared to venture close. “People actually try to avoid us, we’re so scary,” Cameron said with a chuckle. “They actually go on the opposite side of the street.”

The Gutmanns’ commitment to creating this haunted haven doesn’t come cheap. They’re often the first in line for hard-to-get items, and the animatronics can cost upwards of $300 each. However, their dedication to the craft is evident in the intricate details of their display.

The Gutmanns’ display is a testament to their creativity and commitment to the craft.

According to the National Retail Federation’s annual Halloween consumer survey, Americans are expected to spend a record $12.2 billion on Halloween-related expenses this year. The Gutmanns are just one example of the many people who are willing to invest in the spooky spirit of the season.

Historically, Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, a night when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be at its thinnest. Today, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of creativity and fear, allowing people to confront and explore their deepest anxieties.

Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain.

For the Gutmanns, the true magic of Halloween lies in the joy it brings to their community. “My favorite part about Halloween is just seeing people’s reactions,” Cameron said with a smile.

The Gutmanns’ display has become a beloved tradition in Little Neck, Queens.

As the sun sets on another Halloween season, the Gutmanns’ spooky spectacle will continue to delight and terrify visitors from far and wide. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and community, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always room for a little bit of spooky fun.