Pattersons Rebuild Lincolnton Halloween Town for 20th Year

Dante and Sarah Patterson expect 20,000 visitors to walk through their Lincolnton neighborhood on Oct. 31. The couple has spent much of the year constructing a massive haunted display on the corner of North High and West Sycamore Street. This marks the 20th year the Pattersons and their neighbors have transformed the block behind the Lincoln County Library into Halloween Town.

The tradition began with a single homemade coffin and a fog machine. Patterson recalled that early visitors had fun, prompting the family to expand the project annually. The couple now keeps a specific theme for two to three years before switching. This year, they selected a return to their Carn-Evil motif. Patterson noted that his wife dislikes clowns and suggested the theme.

Patterson grew up watching his father, JG “Pat” Patterson, use horror props for decorations. His father was an entertainer who hosted a shock theater segment on WBTV. The younger Patterson said his father’s displays drew every kid in town. He described those days as his favorite memories with his late father. His parents met when his mother worked as a dental assistant, and his father asked her to appear on his television show.

Neighbors contribute to the spectacle, and new residents often join in after seeing the effort. The display includes interactive elements designed to engage visitors of all ages. Shannon, Patterson’s cousin from Pennsylvania, returns annually to participate. She recently married, and this will be her first Halloween as a wife. Last year’s display featured a bride and groom figure representing her and her now husband.

The Pattersons adjust the intensity of the scares based on the time of day. Early in the evening, the effects are toned down for younger trick-or-treaters. As night falls, the atmosphere becomes more intense. If a child is too frightened to approach the house, staff members bring candy to the sidewalk. The goal is to create a safe environment where children can enjoy the experience.

The display remains active on Halloween night regardless of weather conditions. The Pattersons dismantle the entire structure before the school bus arrives the following morning. This ensures the neighborhood appears ordinary once children return from school. Patterson waves to the kids on the bus each day, showing them new elements of the construction in progress. He aims to have everything removed by the time the bus pulls up to his street.

The couple plans to maintain the same level of effort for future years. They add new elements annually to keep the experience fresh. The next theme has not been announced. The current Carn-Evil setup will stand for one final night before being packed away.