Halloween Events

Is Seaford hungry for a good scare?

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When people ask Julie Nietsch where she lives, she simply answers, “The Halloween house.”

Her family has become well known in Seaford for their elaborate Halloween displays, and this year’s is quickly taking shape on the front lawn of their William Street home. Known as the “Viking Graveyard,” it features tombstones, lighting and sound effects, and still and animated characters. On select nights, there are live actors to provide an extra fright.

Brian Nietsch said the idea originated when he was a child. His family used to host Halloween parties every year, and he and his five siblings would create a “horror area.” Later on, when his older brother bought a house, Brian would help him decorate the outside.

When Brian and Julie Nietsch had their first house in south Seaford, they continued the tradition. Brian recalls the devastation of one young boy when that home was put up for sale. “You can’t sell your house,” Brian recalled the boy telling him. “You’re the Halloween house.”

That monicker has lived on, as this is the third year they are doing their display at the their new home, just a few blocks away from Seaford Manor School. The property is bigger, they noted, so it has given them room to really expand their Halloween display.

Not only do Brian, Julie and their daughters, Kayla and Nicole, decorate the front lawn and windows, they also build a scene in the garage. Last year was a dungeon. “I can’t give away the secret of what it’s going to be this year,” Julie said, adding that people look forward to the surprise.

Brian builds many of the props himself. He said he learned online how to do simple robotics so he could animate his characters. Last week, he finished up work on a witch stirring a cauldron, which will feature green lights and fog.

Last year, the family had more than 900 visitors. There is no fee for admission, but guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Long Island Cares, an organization that helps feed hungry residents in the area.

In 2013, the Nietsch family collected 835 pounds of food, and Brian said the goal is to exceed 1,000 pounds this year. Long Island Cares will have a collection barrel at the home.

“I love fundraising,” Julie said, adding that the family has supported the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society over the years, as well as the Ronald McDonald House through her daughters’ involvement in the Girl Scouts. “It’s a way of giving back. Everybody’s good about bringing food.”

She added that the family chose to support Long Island Cares because it is an organization that helps local people. All the donations collected, she noted, stay on Long Island. “There’s a lot of people who do not have a lot of food in their houses and they depend on these food banks to survive,” she said. “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between their kids eating or them eating.”

The display officially opens this Saturday at 6 p.m. There will be live actors that night, as well as on Oct. 24, 25 and Halloween.

“It’s all about enjoyment,” Julie said. “For the most part, everybody loves it.”

Brian said he enjoys seeing when cars drive down the street and slow down so the people can admire his house. He noted that the best way to experience the display is to visit it at night.

The display has close to 20 fake characters. Brian said his favorite prop is a barrel where, if someone walks by, a head suddenly pops out. He also enjoys giving a scare to those who visit and say that nothing can surprise them.

The Viking Graveyard is featured on a website devoted to Long Island Halloween displays, www.lihomehaunts.com.