KINGSBURG, Calif. (KSEE) – Kingsburg homes decorated for Halloween are drawing national attention.
Each week, NBC’s Today show features homes across the country decorated for Halloween.
On Tuesday morning, KSEE24 Sunrise Anchor Caroline Collins appeared and Amanda Wilkins and her frightening appearance were broadcast live on national television.
Ghosts and goblins looked even more terrifying at 5:30 a.m. when Wilkins stood outside his home at 5 1/2 and 384 North Avenues.
“When I owned my own house, I always told myself, I’m going to be big. That’s what we’ve been doing every year,” Wilkins explained.
Wilkins was still shocked that the photo of the decor she submitted as part of today’s “America’s Spookiest Homes” segment was chosen among thousands of other entries.
“I’m going to ‘Oh My God’.” It just didn’t feel real to me! Still unreal! said Wilkins.
That disbelief might have been intimidating when she stepped in front of the lights and cameras for the TODAY show.
The 34-year-old has spent months decorating for the Halloween season and plotting ‘evil plans’ to create the spookiest house on the block.
This year, Wilkins handcrafted a wooden cemetery fence, outfitted it with a vomiting skeleton, and added special effects to the windows to make it look like the house was on fire.
But even if it’s not the Halloween season, some of Wilkins’ skeleton decorations have become permanent fixtures.
“They’re actually up and I get dressed for every holiday,” Wilkins explained. “The kids around us love it. They named him Mr. Bones, they’ll get mad at me if I don’t get him dressed properly and if he doesn’t get dressed for his next vacation.”
The national spotlight on Kingsburg is sweet as trick-or-treat candy, but Wilkins says it’s the locals who stop to admire the terrifying sight, and it’s been months. It says that preparation is all worth it.
“It’s been non-stop since everything was lit up. It’s every night and we absolutely love it. We love that people can park and see everything up close and personal.” I love it,” said Wilkins.
A house that impresses even those who live in New York.
“Thank you very much,” said Hoda, today’s co-host.