For the Witmeyer family, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s a season of creativity, community, and joy. At 4065 Defender Way NE, Joseph and Marissa Witmeyer, along with their sons Christian and Preston, have turned their love for festive decor into a neighborhood tradition that grows bigger each year. “We’ve always been a very festive décor family,” shares Marissa. “For Halloween, we’ve been building our collection for three years now—and counting!”
The setup is no small task. It takes two full days to bring their spooky vision to life. The family begins decorating during the last week of September so that, by October 1, the scene is set for a full month of fun. “Once October arrives, we can just enjoy it and share the fun with other families,” they explain. While the Witmeyers haven’t yet ventured into building their own props, they see that as part of their future as the display continues to grow. Their favorite features include a towering black cat inflatable that turns its head and an orange car driven by a smiling ghost—two pieces that always steal the show. But beyond the cobwebs, pumpkins, and glowing inflatables, the Witmeyers say it’s really about the joy it brings. “It’s so much more than the decorations” says Marissa. “It’s seeing our boys’ excitement and the smiles on people’s faces as they stop by every day.”
Visitors can enjoy the Witmeyer family’s Halloween display at 4065 Defender Way NE from sunrise to sunset. While it’s not a walk-through for safety reasons, everything can be seen perfectly from the street or sidewalk—a festive treat for all who pass by.
