Kelly Hertel, a Clinton resident, has invested more than 400 hours turning his front yard into a sprawling Halloween attraction that echoes the terrifying ride he once dreaded at Lagoon amusement park. He began construction in January 2026, working through nights and weekends to assemble over 200 props. The project culminates in a 30‑meter‑wide display that stretches from the driveway to the neighboring fence.
The inspiration stemmed from a childhood trip to the Terroride roller‑coaster in Farmington, where the sudden drops and eerie music left him clutching the seat. He recalls, 'I kept my eyes closed all the way,' a memory that now fuels his creative ambition. By reimagining the ride as a series of themed scenes, he transforms fear into a communal experience.
The yard is divided into five zones: a mist‑filled graveyard, a claustrophobic mirror tunnel, a haunted carnival, a silent forest, and a twisted laboratory. Each zone uses lighting, sound, and sculpted props to carry visitors through a narrative arc, rather than a static scare. The layout encourages lingering, making the experience feel like a storybook rather than a haunted house.
On opening night, more than 200 locals and tourists streamed in, and a pickup truck on the curb filled half its capacity with cash and checks. A teenage boy shouted, 'This is the best Halloween ever!' while his mother added, 'It feels like our own community party.' The rapid inflow of donations underscores the attraction's pull as a charitable event.
Hertel is directing the proceeds to three charities: the Mascot Miracle Foundation, Lamp House in Ogden, and a Christmas house that sparked his project. He told FOX 13, 'Every dollar helps a family or a homeless person get a home.' The next phase will see the display expanded to include a partnership with a local shelter, with a goal of doubling the donation amount by the end of the season.