19801 scarth lane, mokena, il
years: 2009-2012
Grant's Graveyard is another in a long line of great yard displays/home haunts in the Mokena area. Along with Sunny Acres and Fear on Fiona (amongst others), Grant's Graveyard is an elaborate display filled with animated props - many homemade -as well as live actors scaring visitors.
Amongst the many props is a creep clown carousel, a ghoulish couple in a demon headed carriage, and a ghoul ready to blow himself up. Many of the props are unique and cannot be seen elsewhere. Not only is the yard filled with many props, but the walkway up to the house is decorated with many different types of props, from skeletons to mummies to a sign proclaiming the property as a haunted house (as if anyone needed to be reminded of that!) On the right hand side of the house is a large scarecrow display, complete with the word "Boo!" spelled out in large orange lights. There is a large Creeper from the movie Jeepers Creepers on the garage roof, and a towering scarecrow-like creature that watches over all of the proceedings. One of the best things about Grant's Graveyard is that the giant scarecrow is really a live actor on stilts. In 2010, the figure looked like a Predator from the movie of the same name, and stood over the entrance to the front yard. He was so still that he fooled many people, including the Tourers, until he suddenly came to life and followed visitors around. In 2012 it was even better, as the stiltman was disguised as a skeleton-headed scarecrow hanging amongst stalks of corn (see photo at right). His disguise was so effective that it took quite a while for many visitors to realize that he was a real actor, and even when they saw him move some were not convinced. One of the best moments was when he allowed a group of teenage girls to get close, then jumped down from the pole he was pretending to hang on and chased them all the way down the block and around the corner. The sight of a giant ghoul on stilts terrifying visitors (and even shaking passing cars) was too cool for words, and really added a lot to the atmosphere! Overall, Grant's Graveyard can't be beat. It's got a lot to look at (even without the live actors), has some elaborate moving props, and just has a great Halloween feel. And if you happen to visit on a night when the stiltman is terrorizing people, it makes things even more enjoyable. If you're in the Mokena area, or even if you're not, make a point of visiting Grant's Graveyard.. You will be glad you did - unless the stiltman gets you! |