Halloween Fright Fest: Joliet Police Officer Transforms Yard

CHANNAHON, IL —A number of people in the Joliet area are setting up Halloween displays in their yard, but few can compete with Joliet Police Officer Tom Banas.

He's becoming a pro at this. But this marks his first year in his new house at 24415 South Blackhawk Drive in Channahon's Indian Trails subdivision.

His yard is hard to describe. You need to visit in person to soak up the haunting experience. This year's theme is clowns and zombies.

Joliet Patch's editor showed up Wednesday night just before dark. Banas encourages people to come by and visit. Halloween is his favorite holiday of the year, and he goes all out.

Banas has been on the Joliet Police force for 20 years. Before that, he spent nearly four years with the Channahon Police Department. He makes many of his yard props and others he purchases through the Spirit Halloween store.

Banas said he started setting up his Halloween display Sept. 15. He said he will keep it up through Halloween. He also plans to add a circus tent in the coming days.

"I'm going to be here until the 31st," he said.

As for the added vehicle traffic on South Blackhawk Drive, Banas said he's already talked with his neighbors and they're supportive of his one-of-a-kind Halloween display.