A Halloween Wonderland

By Brandie Majeau
Philene Mykyte, of Thorhild County, has been at it for twenty years, maybe a
couple more, perhaps a couple less. But for two decades she has embraced Halloween
with an unmatched enthusiasm to make people smile and enjoy the excitement, thrill,
and enjoyment pass across the faces of children and children at heart. Over the years
the handful of Halloween decorations that started it all has transformed itself into a
complete wonderland that embraces the perfect mix of spooky and delightful.
The rows of towering trees stand like sentinels, inviting only the bravest souls to
venture forth. As visitors step gingerly into this shadowy realm, they may find
themselves questioning whether they can pass by the ominous figure of the headless
horseman lurking nearby. The thick branches twist and curl, concealing playful
skeletons and mischievous goblins who wait in the dark nooks and crannies, ready to
surprise the unsuspecting.
For the little ones, who might not yet be prepared to navigate the chilling scene of
looming coffins, a more whimsical experience awaits. A delightful procession of cartoon-
like ghosts flits through the air, accompanied by cheerful scarecrow farmers driving their
colorful tractors, leading the way to a magical storyland where a friendly dragon awaits
to enchant all who are curious.
The Mykyte yard is a treasure trove of surprises and fascinating sights, each
corner revealing new wonders that spark joy and wonderment. Yet, the true magic lies in
the unexpected—there is an irreplaceable thrill in exploring without knowing what lies
ahead. Every twist and turn is an opportunity for delight, making the stop and
exploration even more memorable.
And the crowning touch is an ancient house, now eerily transformed into a realm
of unending dread and chilling surprises. What secrets lie beyond each creaking door?
Will visitors have the courage to face the unsettling sight of enchanted books opening
on their own, or the ghostly figure eternally confined within the flickering glow of the
television screen? The haunting wails of tormented souls echo from within the walls,
entwined in webs of despair. Is there anyone bold enough to uncover the mysteries that
linger within this haunted domain?
Philene Mykyte remarked, “I just love to see the smiles,” as she discussed the
annual expansion of their Halloween Fantasyland. What started as a simple display has
now grown to attract buses from local senior housing and even a bus from one of the
schools. This year, the yard was fully set up and illuminated in all its glory starting on
October 26 and continued to welcome visitors every evening until Halloween. Mykyte
has no expectations for rewards; her only desire is to bring joy to those who stop by. To

accommodate visitors who wish to contribute, she places a box for Food Bank
donations. Anyone who missed this year’s event will have to wait until next year to see
what new spooky features are added.