Memphis Gets Spooky with a Cause This Halloween
As Halloween approaches, the vibrant city of Memphis is transforming into a spooky playground, and everyone’s invited to join in on the fun! With the chill of October setting in, the weather is predicted to be a bit drizzly, with temperatures hovering around 76°F during the day and dropping to a cozy 63°F at night. So, be sure to grab an umbrella as showers and storms are forecasted with a 90% chance of rain this Halloween week. But don’t let that stop you from celebrating!
A Hauntingly Good Time for a Noble Cause
In one southeast Memphis neighborhood, a fantastic Halloween display is drawing in visitors and trick-or-treaters alike for a very special reason. The event is called “Skeletons For St. Jude”, a nationwide initiative that began back in 2020. It started with a single homeowner in North Carolina placing a St. Jude fundraising sign as part of their Halloween setup. Over the years, the movement has spread rapidly, with hundreds of people across the country participating and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support children battling cancer and their families.
Leading the spooky charge in Memphis is Richard Winkles, who has gone above and beyond to create a larger-than-life haunted showpiece right on Hill Gail Drive. With over 30 props, some towering as high as 12-and-a-half feet, Richard has turned his corner into a Halloween extravaganza that’s both creepy and fun!
Join the Spooktacular Fun!
What’s exciting is that Richard has opened his haunted corner for not just one, but two nights of trick-or-treating on Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m. each night at 4586 Hill Gail Drive. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids and families to enjoy some spooky thrills, collect treats, and even contribute to a good cause. Best of all, the candy is free, but donations to St. Jude are warmly welcomed, making it a win-win situation!
Richard shared, “It’s all for fun, you know? It’s all for fun in a good cause. We want to get more people involved to trick-or-treat and donate to a great cause.” What a heartwarming message to kick off this Halloween!
Community Spirit in Full Swing
It’s not just the haunted displays that are bringing the community together this Halloween season. In Cordova, residents came together for a neighborhood cleanup, showcasing the spirit of unity and care within the community. And let’s not forget the little ones – L.Y.E Academy is ensuring that every child gets the chance to dress up by distributing over 2,000 Halloween costumes to make sure all kids experience the joy of the holiday, whether they want to be a princess, a superhero, or even a cheeky goblin!
Stay Informed and Get Involved
As the ghosts and ghouls prepare for their big night, there’s always a bit of excitement in the air. With early voting underway in Shelby County for the upcoming elections, community involvement is at an all-time high, and it’s a perfect reminder of how when we come together, we can make a difference – be it through celebrating a holiday or supporting a cause like St. Jude.
So, gather your family and friends, get your best costumes ready, and don’t forget your rain gear! Enjoy the spooky displays, the treats, and the opportunity to contribute to a fantastic cause this Halloween in beautiful Memphis!
