80-Year-Old Del City Man Creates Extreme Halloween Decorations

Bill Ashton’s favorite time of the year is without question Halloween, and he’s not “scared” to show it. 

For about the past 20 years, Ashton has been growing his Halloween display on Corbett Drive in Del City. It's a tradition he refuses to let die. 

“Most of them turn off their lights and don’t even do trick or treating, and I don’t know why. I mean, it’s for the kids,” said Ashton. 

At 80 years old, Ashton starts every year getting out the skeletons, his remote-controlled fog machine and the graveyard in preparation for what he calls his favorite time of the year. 

“The 1st of October, I start getting things out of the attic, sorting it out and laying it out, getting lights out and seeing if they work,” said Ashton. 

He strategically sets up the display little by little, adding to and moving things around.

“Then sometimes I’ll go and move something. It don’t look right, so I’ll move it somewhere else, and give it a shot,” said Ashton. 

His wife also joins in on the fun. 

“My wife made the little kids, the ghost kids. She made those out of chicken wire and Styrofoam ball, and one of our grandkid’s clothes when there were babies,” said Ashton. 

In fact, most of the display Ashton has made himself and some things were even gifts. 

“A lot of times for Christmas, people will buy me Halloween stuff,” said Ashton. 

At 80 years old, how long will he continue to do this? 

“As long as I get up, I guess. But getting up on the house is getting to be a little tricky,” said Ashton. 

Though it draws a lot of attention down Corbett Drive in Del City, the neighbors love it and can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.

“But I’m happy with my little bit that I’ve got. For me, it’s alright,” said Ashton. 

Believe it or not, Ashton’s Christmas decorations actually exceed what he does for Halloween.