Ohio Woman Facing Criticism For Putting Up Her Halloween Display Early

A homeowner in Ohio says she has received complaints from community members for putting up her SUPER ELABORATE Halloween display earlier than usual this year. She put it up about a month ago.

Fairfield Homeowner Faces Backlash for Early Halloween Display

Marianne Peters of Fairfield, Ohio, has always gone all out for Halloween with her famous “Nightmare on Bibury Street” display. Every year, her spooky setup attracts visitors who enjoy the chilling spectacle she creates. However, this year, Marianne started her Halloween decorating earlier than usual, which didn’t sit well with some community members who took their complaints to the city.

There's a Heartfelt Reason Behind It

Typically, Marianne kicks off her Halloween decorating frenzy in the second week of August. This year, however, she felt compelled to start sooner. The reason? Her husband is battling cancer, and the demanding setup requires a lot of time and energy. "You could’ve come to me and said something like, ‘Hey, why?’ and I would’ve explained to them why I did it so early,” she expressed, highlighting the labor of love behind the display, which takes over 100 hours to complete and later take down.

For seven years, Marianne has been creating and evolving this Halloween experience, opening her yard to visitors free of charge. The display has become a beloved tradition in her neighborhood, but this year, city officials reached out twice regarding complaints they had received. “It broke my heart and made me upset because all my neighbors try to help me if they see me out here,” she shared, clearly feeling hurt by the criticism.

What Did The City Have To Say About Marianne's Halloween Display?

Despite the complaints, the city of Fairfield informed Marianne that she wasn't violating any regulations and could keep her Halloween decorations up as planned. However, they gently suggested she consider starting a bit later in the future. For Marianne, though, this year presented unique challenges. “My husband was diagnosed a year ago with cancer, so he can’t do as much after his chemo for two weeks,” she explained. “People don’t know what’s going on in other people’s lives. If I was disrupting somebody or bothering people … I’m not.”

Social Media Takes Her Side

Marianne's heartfelt decorations hold significant meaning not just for her but for her community. She has received an outpouring of support on social media, with hundreds of comments backing her efforts. “I cried – it means a lot to me because I do put a lot into this,” she admitted. “I just do it because the kids love it, and the adults love it too.”

Those who wish to experience the spooky magic can visit her display on Bibury Street. Marianne is expecting around 300 visitors on Halloween night, and this year, she plans to add some extra thrills with actors dressed as monsters.