by New Jersey – Every Halloween season, an extraordinary tradition comes alive in a New Jersey neighborhood where 11-year-old Jason Barr transforms his home into a spectacular haunted house. This remarkable annual project, developed with the help of his mother, Lisa DeMario, has become a vibrant community event renowned for its creativity and charm.
Starting as early as November each year, Jason and Lisa dedicate nearly a full year to crafting a unique haunted attraction filled with animatronics, themed settings, and elaborate decorations. Their story is not only one of artistic passion but also one of inspiring community connection and growth.
Turning Passion into a Year-Round Project
Jason’s fascination with animatronics and Halloween began in infancy, when he would play with Halloween dolls, demonstrating an early love for all things spooky. Over the years, he and his mom have developed a detailed plan for building the haunted house:
- Starting in winter with decorating the basement
- Progressing through the spring to adorn the living room, garage, dining room, and exterior
- Dressing up 60 animatronics to match each year’s unique theme
- Completing the interior by August and starting outdoor decorations
Lisa DeMario shares,
“Even as a baby, he just always had this fascination with animatronics and scary things.”
Community Connection and Personal Growth
While Jason, who has autism, sometimes finds the animated displays overwhelming due to noise and stimulation, he manages his experience by taking breaks when needed. The haunted house tradition began five years ago when Jason’s friends encouraged him to showcase his extensive collection of spooky decorations.
Lisa highlights the deeper impact:
“It helps Jason with his creativity and our bonding, plus it’s like a job for him.”
Jason humorously replies, “I’m too young to have a job. I’m only 11!”
The project has nurtured lasting friendships and brought the community closer. Jason now enjoys invitations to Halloween events like hayrides and parties, building social connections beyond the haunted house.
Expert Craftsmanship and Curated Collections
Decorations and animatronics come from diverse sources like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Spirit Halloween, along with vintage finds from eBay. Jason even runs a YouTube channel showcasing his collection, demonstrating his enthusiasm and dedication.
This year’s display features immersive themes including a casino, a retro arcade, a diner, a Wizard of Oz skeletal scene, a circus, and a graveyard—all open to the community on Saturdays.
Lisa envisions a future where Jason might transform his passion into a career:
“It would be good for Jason because it would set him up for a nice future. It would give him something he can love and always work on, and it would be his.”
Looking Forward to Halloween Night
On October 31, Jason plans to don a SpongeBob costume and celebrate Halloween with friends by watching scary cartoons and enjoying favorites like Hershey’s and Reese’s candies. His enthusiasm for both the holiday and the haunted house project remains strong.
More Than Just a Haunted House
The project not only supports Jason’s personal interests but also fosters community spirit and inclusion. Lisa remarks,
“I’m very proud. This is what he likes to do and we enjoy it together. It’s also a way for me to get into Jason’s world.”
For more details on Jason’s inspiring story, visit People.com.
Key Highlights:
- Jason and Lisa begin building the haunted house as early as November, finishing by August
- The display includes 60 animatronics dressed annually to fit different themes
- The event strengthens Jason’s community ties and friendships
- Jason runs a YouTube channel showcasing his extensive Halloween collection
- Future career aspirations include running a haunted arcade featuring his animatronics
What do you think about Jason’s incredible haunted house tradition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
