Mattapoisett Couple Builds Massive Halloween Display That Draws Crowds

To put it simply, Charles and Christine Martin are Halloween enthusiasts. The Mattapoisett couple has always loved the holiday, but during the pandemic, they decided to take their Halloween decorating to a whole new level.  

They went all out and turned their yard on Wolf Island Road into an extension of the real-life cemetery nearby.

“As kids, we found our biggest joy running around with pillowcases on Halloween. We’d visit anybody and everybody who was giving out candy," Christine said. "People haven’t gone door to door for Christmas since the caroling days, but they still do it for Halloween. It’s still a community event, and we love bringing joy to our community.”

Where Do the Halloween Decorations Come From?

Most of the decorations are purchased from big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. However, the gravestones placed throughout the Martins’ yard are special-ordered and built with movie-level quality. They add new pieces every year, but it’s not easy. The best items typically drop in July and sell out fast.

Why the Halloween Setup Begins in August

“We don’t believe it’s ever too early to celebrate something,” Christine explained. “It brings happiness to the community. I’ve already had five people stop by because we’ve put up one of the giants. Each year we get more stuff, and it takes a little longer to put up, so we start earlier.”

Does This Haunted Display Affect Their Power Bill?

“Let’s not talk about that,” Charles joked. “Honestly, it’s not that bad. No worse than my August bill.”

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Want to Help Decorate?

The Martins plan to start decorating this weekend. Volunteers are welcome to stop by Wolf Island Road at 11 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday to lend a hand.