Brad and Stacey Lyle have turned their passion for Halloween into a captivating display that’s become a must visit in the community. The journey from a few scattered decorations to the elaborate setup now known as Alouette Cemetery started as a way to channel their artistic flair and love for the season into something that could bring smiles — and maybe a few startled jumps — to neighbours and visitors.
Their journey began with a challenge: a skeleton stirring a cauldron. This animatronic, common in many home haunts across North America, sparked Brad’s imagination. He saw it as a creative challenge and a chance to bring some magic to their yard display. That skeleton, diligently mixing its mysterious brew in the middle of the yard, was their first foray into a larger, more complex Halloween display.
When the pandemic hit, the monotony of the lockdowns and staying home for prolonged periods, coupled with restrictions on usual activities and hobbies, forced many to find alternatives to take their minds away from the current situation. “Imagine if the whole yard was full of animatronics,” Brad said. Spending more time in the garage turned workshop, Brad built columns and fencing and added a couple more moving skeletons. Now, their front yard (and their neighbours) transforms into Alouette Cemetery every October, with several handcrafted animatronics and tombstones that each tell their own spooky story.
But Alouette Cemetery is more than just a haunt. It’s a reflection of the community’s spirit. The haunt gathers donations for Katie’s Place Animal Shelter, turning a love for Halloween into a force for good. It’s about building something together that everyone can enjoy — a place that offers both a thrill and a way to give back.
The haunt has grown significantly since its beginning and has become a collaborative endeavour, with friends and neighbours joining in to help with the build and set-up. Every year, they add something new, but the heart of what they do remains the same. It’s about crafting an experience that brings people together, sparks the imagination, and contributes to an important cause in the community.
So, this Halloween, come by Alouette Cemetery. Enjoy some creativity, feel the scares, and be part of something a little spooky and a lot special. Who knows, you might just leave with a few ideas for your own yard and maybe even leave a little happier for having helped a furry friend in need.