STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) – Halloween is right around the corner, and one Struthers couple is turning their love for the holiday into an interactive holiday experience.
Every Monday afternoon, when the Number 21 bus makes its way down Maplewood Street in Struthers, the students on board are met with a spine-tingling surprise.
“Just the look on their faces. How much they enjoy it and love it. It’s really heartwarming and worth it,” said May Skozen.
Mary and Ed Skozen have always gone all out for Halloween. Their house is always a hit. But this year, they wanted to do something more for the kids in the neighborhood.
“A couple of times, I noticed on Mondays, the school bus would slow down. And the kids were just going crazy,” May said.
It wasn’t long before they decided to up the ante, carving up a more in-your-face experience.
“About three or four weeks ago, we started dressing up and coming out. We try to do a different character every time. I’m going to be Gretta from Gremlins, and he’s going to be John Kramer from Saw,” May said.
It’s all driven by the magic created from a family’s love for Halloween and their desire to share that joy with everyone around them.
“My Grandmother was really big on Halloween, and it just kind of stemmed from there. I remember her and I watching horror movies when I was way too young to be watching them. It was something we bonded over. I just love everything about it. It’s so fun. The costumes — it’s something kids can do without getting in trouble. Just let them have some fun,” May said.
And while the Monday surprises are thrilling, it’s the grand finale they’re warming everyone up for that comes on Halloween night. The Skozens go all out, transforming their home into the ultimate Halloween haunt, an experience no one in Struthers will forget.
“This is just the beginning. It takes us a long time. We still have animatronics to bring out. But we can’t bring them out until trick or treat,” May said.
For Ed and Mary, it’s all about the experience — every shriek that’s turned into a smile makes it worth the effort.
“It’s the cutest thing ever. I can’t even put it into words. It’s worth it,” May said.
“They scream, they laugh. The best part about it is the smiles on their faces. They love Halloween,” Ed said.
“And so do we,” May said.