Organized by lifelong Halloween enthusiast Crystal Boulton, the Celebration of Frights has become a must-see event in Sarnia, attracting growing attention each year.
In an interview with The Journal, Crystal shared that her love for Halloween began in childhood. “I’ve always been a fan of Halloween since I was little,” she said, recalling trick-or-treating and her family’s special decorations. “My dad had these sheet ghosts hanging from the eavestroughs,” she fondly recalled. One of her favorite memories was helping rake leaves to fill pumpkin-themed garbage bags for yard decorations. “That was the only way my parents could get me to pick up the leaves,” she laughed.
The idea for the Celebration of Frights came about in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional Halloween activities were being canceled. Crystal’s husband had joked about Halloween being canceled, to which Crystal responded, “Halloween cannot be canceled! I will find a way!” Motivated to keep the Halloween spirit alive, she came up with a safe, community-focused solution.
Thus, the Celebration of Frights was born. Crystal launched a Facebook group and encouraged others to decorate their homes and join a self-guided tour. What began with 40 homes and around 900 group members quickly exploded. “We reached about 5,000 people within that year,” she said, still amazed by its rapid growth. By 2021, the event’s popularity had grown so much that Crystal enlisted moderators to help manage the group.
Over the years, local homeowners have enthusiastically participated, with many creating elaborate jaw-dropping displays. This year, 83 houses are part of the tour, and the Facebook group has grown to over 14,000 members. “We still have our go-to’s who’ve been a part of it every year,” Crystal noted.
The event has evolved beyond a simple tour, with interactive elements like walkthroughs, responsive animatronics, and live actors. “Some homeowners block off their entire property for the tour,” Crystal said, expressing admiration for their dedication. Fan favorites include David and Andrea Phair’s elaborate Durham Asylum display.
This year’s Celebration of Frights extends over 14 days, longer than the usual 10 or 11. “We’ve made it even longer this year,” Crystal said, explaining that the extended timeframe allows more people to experience the spooky delights.
Crystal humbly downplayed her event’s recognition beyond Sarnia, though she shared a humorous anecdote about being recognized during a hot air balloon ride in London. “A woman next to us said, ‘Are you talking about that Sarnia Halloween tour?’ I was like, oh my gosh!” she laughed, highlighting the event’s regional reach.
Crystal’s passion for Halloween and her dedication to the community have turned the Celebration of Frights into a highlight of the year for many Sarnia residents, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With new houses joining the tour every year and thousands of people participating, it has grown into an integral part of local Halloween celebrations.
For more information and the full list of participating homes, visit the Celebration of Frights Facebook page.