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Paradise Crest Halloween displays bring neighbors together — and thousands of trick-or-treaters
Two East Las Vegas homeowners have turned elaborate Halloween displays into a friendly annual contest that draws large crowds to Paradise Crest. They say the bigger goal is knowing and helping their neighbors.
In Paradise Crest, Halloween has become a neighborhood attraction — and a friendly contest between two homeowners whose elaborate decorations draw thousands of trick-or-treaters to East Las Vegas.
Chuck Cushinery’s yard features themed areas including Ghost Alley and Spider Street, along with a Darth Fiddler figure and skeletons arranged as a house band. He said he handed out more than 3,000 pieces of candy last Halloween.
The rivalry with neighbor Chris Mckimmey began about five years ago, after Cushinery moved into the neighborhood. Mckimmey said Cushinery keeps adding elaborate pieces and gradually closing the gap in their informal competition.
Both homeowners say the displays are also a way to strengthen ties among residents. Mckimmey described staying in touch with Cushinery and helping others as part of making the neighborhood welcoming. Cushinery said he wants neighbors to know one another and look out for each other.
Their annual Halloween effort has grown beyond a contest over who can create the spookiest yard: it brings families to the neighborhood and gives residents a reason to connect with one another.