By Jared Raney
Reporter

The yard at 1128 Pinos Street is a captivating field of madness this month, as the annual Kabacinski yard display is in full swing, bigger and better than ever before.

For nearly thirty years, Chris Kabacinski has made it his goal to create a masterpiece of Halloween spirit, adding something new every year.

It’s become a staple of the neighborhood, with friends and family devoting time to the harrowing display. Though the admittedly creepy affair looks harmless in the daylight, Kabacinski said it doesn’t really come alive until Halloween.

“I turn on lights, and some of the displays even have moving parts,” Kabacinski said. “People have been coming for years—there are younger couples who used to visit themselves and now bring their kids.”

It started as a simple affair, a way to bond with his two neices that he helped raise. Now many family members are involved, some even dressing up and becoming part of the display, making it truly come alive.

“It just sort of grew, and kept growing,” Kabacinski said. “It’s just something fun to do, and have for the neighbors.”

Area Halloween fun

8th annual Downtown Rhinelander Trick or Treat
Downtown Rhinelander businesses are again hosting special hours for a Downtown Trick or Treat event for Rhinelander area children on Saturday, October 24th, from 2-4 p.m. This event is sponsored by Downtown Rhinelander, Inc. Children are encouraged to dress up in costume and visit downtown businesses for special treats. More than 30 downtown businesses will be participating. Just look for the large orange pumpkin sign on their doors or windows. As for parents and friends it’s the perfect time to explore all that the downtown has to offer. You won’t be scared but you will be surprised!

Calvary invites kids to ‘trunk or treat’
The community is invited to the parking lot of Calvary Baptist Church, 320 Lincoln Street in Rhinelander for Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 24 from 2-4 p.m. Cars, minivans, SUVs and pickups will be lined up in the parking lot, decorated with special themes, with the owners handing out candy. According to Pastor Rod Ankrom, Trunk or Treat is a “positive, family-friendly” event for children and their parents. The event is being held in conjunction with Downtown Rhinelander’s Trick or Treat. For more information, please call Calvary at 715-362-4792 or go to explorecalvary.com.

“Haunted” Hodag Howl
An adult Halloween Costume party– which includes the Hodag auction- is THIS Saturday, October 24, 2105. It’s a party that happens to have the Hodag auction. You need not to be in the market for a Hodag to attend-BUT if you have wanted a Hodag this could be your last chance as they are not being made any longer. Quality Inn, 6:30 p.m.; auction is at 8. There will be a DJ for dancing, hors de oeuvres, cash bar, raffles, silent auction (one of the items is an autographed Packer Football) and games.Tickets are $15 each.

Free Scare Your Shorts Off films to set a Halloween tone at Nicolet College
A collection of short films packed with suspense and horror will fill the screen in the Nicolet College Theatre when the Scare Your Shorts Off showing takes place Thursday, Oct. 29. The free event starts at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s the perfect lead-up going into Halloween,” said Steven Schreier, who curated the films along with fellow film buff Tom Jerow. During the evening Schreier and Jerow will give brief introductions of each film and then lead a discussion with the audience at the end to talk about what they had just seen. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.

Trick or Treat indoors
Grace Lodge Assisted Living is hosting Trick or Treating Saturday October 31 from 5-6 p.m. Vist 32 apartments. 1000 Day Street in Rhinelander. For more information call 365-1234.

Rhinelander Trick or Treat is 4-7 p.m. Saturday, October 31.

Trick or Treating and Halloween fun in Presque Isle
The Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce will host the Town’s annual Spooktacular Halloween on Saturday, October 31st from 5-7 p.m. Children are invited to visit local businesses for trick-or-treating in a safe, fun and little bit spooky event. Halloween music will be piped throughout Main Street. For more information on this event or other area happenings, please visit www.presqueisle.com, find the Presque Isle Chamber on Facebook, call the Chamber office at (715) 686-2910, or contact Director Sara Fieweger at presqueisle@centurytel.net.