GALLERY: Skeletons run amok in Hanahan’s Otranto neighborhood

HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – It was a Monday night filled with tricks and treats as the Otranto Civic Club held its annual neighborhood Halloween decorating contest.

A cloudy but cool night set the backdrop as judges roamed the historic Hanahan subdivision in search of the funniest, scariest, and most creatively decorated homes this haunt season.

Skeletons of many shapes and sizes made appearances throughout the community.

One home on North Basilica Avenue is keeping the spirit of Halloween alive with its extravagant display. Here, skeletons run amok – many climbing trees, digging graves or scaling the front of the home. Be sure to look up as winged, bat-like skeletons hover overhead and ghosts fly across the yard.

The resident here tells us it takes roughly two weeks to set up their haunt scene; however, the threat of two tropical systems in September added a little extra time. What started small years ago has expanded to reach nearly every corner of the yard this Halloween. Some of the props, like a gate with stone pillars, are custom-made by the homeowners. Drive by and you’ll see fog rolling across the lawn and perhaps a real back cat or two on the prowl.

The home was awarded first place in the scariest category.

Next door, the “Fooregotten Souls Music Festival” is well underway. A group made up of skeleton rockstars, ‘Don’t Fear the Reapers,’ are performing Halloween favorites like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” or “Monster Mash” for passersby. But it’s the barebones spectators that may catch your eye – look closely and you’ll find a flashing groupie or two.

The scene comes with a werewolf serving drinks at the nearby bar, and witches are hanging out just off stage. They earned first place in the funniest category.

Music continues just up the road on Michelle Manor where a “swinging wake” is happening outside one home. Ghosts of every size are found haunting this yard as “Grim Grinning Ghosts” plays from an outside speaker. This scene came in second place for the most creative.

An unnerving display was found on Corsica Court where a home was illuminated in a red flickering glow. Outside stood several dark ghouls – will they be replaced with live actors waiting for a scare on Halloween night? This scene was awarded second place scariest.

Around the loop on Monte Sano Drive, you’ll find homes with happy inflatables, like a family of dinosaurs with their trick-or-treat pails. But continue your drive (or walk) and you’ll find a home just across from Roma Road that takes Halloween decorating to another level.

Neighbors say this home at 20 Monte Sano custom-builds nearly all of her props and scenes. It features a skeleton at a booth selling “Ghoulade & poison apples.” Large red-glowing columns with skeletons make up the fenced-in yard, and you’ll be greeted by the talking “plague doctor” out front. There is much to take in with this impressively decorated yard, so we recommend parking the car to take a closer look.

A sign there reads “Do not let Halloween be a thing of the past. Decorate, turn on your light, hand out candy … Be a community!” This scene was awarded first place for most creative during Monday’s judging.

On the opposite end of Monte Sano Drive is a home you simply cannot miss. Set with a purple and green glow are myriad Halloween animatronics. From witches to skeletons, a giant werewolf, and even the headless horseman — be sure to stop and see what this yard has to offer. The home won first place judge’s choice, and just across the street earned second place judge’s choice.

Here you’ll find large sheets of spiderweb draping portions of the yard. A frightening scarecrow, spiders, and skeletons are taking over!

Many other homes in the neighborhood are decorated with creative, fun, and scary designs. If you are looking for something fun to do with the family, we recommend a drive through the subdivision.

Neighbors say it’s a trick-or-treating hot spot on Halloween night and welcome any guests to come by for a little candy.

Scariest
1st place – 11 N. Basilica
2nd place – 3 Corsica

Funniest
1st place – 13 N. Basilica
2nd place – 20 Ravenna

Most Creative
1st place – 20 Monte Sano
2nd place – 12 Michelle Manor

Judges Choice
1st place – 66 Monte Sano
2nd place – 67 Monte Sano