COHOES – Lots of people like to decorate their homes for Halloween, but elite an few in the city of Cohoes have turned their places into the creepiest things on the East Coast.

The city of Cohoes’ annual Halloween House Decorating Contest inspires some exceptionally fun and wicked designs.

The creator of a particularly spooky scene on Dudley Avenue said he builds his army of the undead bigger every year because he loves the reactions from all the kids, including their parents. 

“As a little kid I always loved Halloween,” the mystery maker said. “I do it not only for my kids, but for the kids who live around here. On Halloween night it’s even greater because you’ll see so many kids walk up to the house, and the parents are standing back, cracking up, laughing saying, “you did your job.””

The city of Cohoes’ annual Halloween House Decorating Contest began back in 2020 during the pandemic. It’s been getting better every year. Even the mayor loves it.

“It was so well received that we actually continued it a couple months later, as a Christmas decorating contest. It’s been going on ever since,” Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler said.

The city posts photos of the competing homes on Facebook, and then visitors vote on their favorites.

The top 3 most popular winners get gift cards and Halloween bragging rights.