Skip to content

Halloween all about fun for one Sidney resident

Cobwebs, a giant inflatable spider and tombstones are just some of the decorations at the home of sisters Bonnie Patterson and Val Healey.
88799sidneyOct30-Halloween2
Bonnie Patterson of Sidney is right into the Halloween spirit. Her Mills Road home is not to be missed

Cobwebs, scary figures, a giant inflatable spider and tombstones are just some of the decorations covering the home of sisters Bonnie Patterson and Val Healey.

Both women, who worked in elementary schools for years, bought the Mills Road home in Sidney five years ago and they’ve been in the spirit ever since.

“We like kids, so we’re used to it. We’re not really witches,” said Patterson with a chuckle.

She said she goes all out with decorations. This year, decorating the yard took the better part of two days. Spooky creatures cover the entire lawn, trees and front of the house.

“A lot of them are animated so once I connect up all the batteries, off they go.”

Patterson said she got used to this sort of thing while working in the schools, adding it’s only Halloween when she puts in the serious effort.

“I think it is one of my favourite times, I don’t know what it is. People can pretend … even little shy kids come out of themselves because they put on a persona. I think that’s what it is. I think it allows people to just be different.

Now retired, Patterson remembered back to when she was a little kid.

“We always made our own (costumes) and I’ve always made my own for my daughter and now my grandchildren.”

She said she remembers trick or treating, going to bonfires and simply running around in the dark on Halloween, which she said was really cool.

“We always liked it as kids. I think when you’re little — we had six kids in our family — you went out trick or treating. It was a big deal to get all those treats, so it’s more about looking at the kids and their faces.

“I truly enjoy it when the older ones come too. A lot of people think, ‘oooh the teenagers are coming,’ but they’re so respectful around here.”