Studer Home Haunts raises funds for Alzheimer's Association

A sprawling Halloween display in Crittenden, Kentucky, is serving a dual purpose this year.

Lisa Studer is building Studer Home Haunts to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. The project takes place on her property off North Main Street. It involves a large team of family members. Her husband, children, and grandchildren all help with the construction.

The centerpiece of this year's effort is a 10-foot Ferris wheel. Studer says the structure took about a month and a half to finish. The build required attention to many moving spokes. The display also features a haunted carnival area named CarnEvil. This section includes a ghoulish ticket booth. A skeleton popcorn stand and a spinning knife-throwing wheel round out the original designs.

Studer describes her relationship with Halloween as a lifelong bond. Her mother, Carol Phelps, was born to love the holiday. The two women had birthdays just two days apart near the date. Phelps made costumes for Studer as a child. She also built a haunted house for her daughter. Studer notes that Phelps always claimed she was the best birthday present she ever received. Now, the family tradition continues with a new generation of helpers.

The display is a tribute to Phelps, who passed away physically two years ago. Studer says her mother was mentally affected by Alzheimer's seven years ago. The family had never dealt with the disease before. They relied on the Alzheimer's Association for guidance and support. Studer recalls that the organization helped her connect with people who provided necessary care. She notes that staff members were often present even when the family had not yet reached out for help.

Studer is currently installing new props in her dining room. She surrounds herself with Halloween decorations and photos of her mother. She plans to reveal one new character or prop each day to build excitement in the neighborhood. The full display will be active on Friday and Saturday nights at dusk. The goal is to provide a specific emotional experience for visitors.

Studer says her mother built a legacy without realizing it. Phelps started the tradition simply to make her daughter happy. She wanted to keep a little girl from getting spooked. Now the elaborate yard serves as both a memory and a fundraising engine.