Florida homeowner expands free Halloween attraction to 5,000 square feet
Matt McCary has spent seven years growing a modest seasonal display into an immersive walk-through experience in Orange Park.
Matt McCary, a homeowner in Orange Park, Florida, has developed a free seasonal attraction known as Bearadise that now covers nearly 5,000 square feet. According to the Times of India, the display began in 2019 with only a pumpkin and some hay bales.
The attraction features a graveyard with tombstones made by McCary, large skeletons, cobwebs, and extensive lighting. To create an immersive atmosphere, the site uses fog machines, sound effects, and concealed speakers.
Visitors walk along a paved path through a custom archway to experience the installations. McCary receives help from approximately 14 people to unload decorations, while the electrical and lighting setup takes several weeks to finish.
The display includes an educational component inspired by McCary's connection to Salem, Massachusetts. One area uses QR codes to provide information regarding the 1692 witch trials, including details on those accused and executed.
Previously known as the Haunted Pathway, the event covered more than 4,000 square feet in 2023. The attraction currently hosts about 250 trick-or-treaters every year.