Brunswick County home transforms into Halloween haunt with a deeper meaning

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Talking zombies, laughing skeletons and creepy gargoyles are just some of the sights greeting visitors at one Brunswick County home this Halloween season.

For nearly 10 years, WWAY employee Jeff Hertzog has transformed his property at 6 Stoney Creek Lane into a Halloween display, featuring everything from clowns and creepy dolls to a butcher shop.

But what started as a fun holiday tradition has a deeper meaning.

Hertzog says the tradition began after Hurricane Florence, when severe flooding damaged his neighborhood and left families looking for a sense of normalcy.

He says Halloween and trick-or-treating became a way for neighbors to reconnect and bring some of that holiday spirit back to the community.

This year, however, the haunted trail will look a little different. Hertzog and his family are taking a break from the attraction to make some needed repairs.

While there won’t be any jump scares along the trail this year, visitors are still welcome to stop by and enjoy the Halloween decorations.

Hertzog hopes to bring the haunted trail back next year.