BOISE, Idaho — You could say one house in west Boise sticks out with extravagant Halloween decorations each year.
Michelle Bain has decorated her home on North Esquire Drive in Boise for several years.
"I have so much fun making things that people enjoy," she told KTVB Wednesday afternoon.
Each year she takes on the task of a new theme, while still using about 30 skeletons. In 2023, her yard was the Wild West.
She starts planning her Halloween theme and decorations a year in advance, she said.
"I can start looking for fabric, looking for discount costumes, looking for discounted wood, things I can repurpose," Bain said.
For this year, all roads lead to Rome.
She found a discarded chair and turned it into a chariot. Towards the back, Julius Cesar and Cleopatra are surrounded by an audience.
"I was able to get my hands on this great foam for free," she said. "So, I turned into a Coliseum, and that's kind of where it all started... one little piece, and then I turn it into something that expands and expands."
But for the last two years, Bain has been decorating for a cause.
"When somebody mentioned that they were doing Skeletons for St. Jude, I was just super intrigued,' Bain said.
Skeletons for St. Jude is a national fundraiser that raises funds for kids of St. Jude through Halloween displays.
Bain has a sign displayed in her yard with a QR quote people can scan for more information. It takes you directly to where to donate.
"I believe in that organization," Bain said.
She added that the displays and the St. Jude sign are great conversation starters.
"Everybody stops and looks and reads the sign, and this year I did like little takeaway brochure, so that way people can donate later,' she said.
Bain hopes more Idaho homeowners who decorate their homes for Halloween will join the fundraiser in the future.
"They're doing it all across the United States, and so it's something where lots of houses are participating," Bain said. "It's just, we're kind of short in this area, over in our neck of the woods, and so that's where I really want to get word out, because it's just a great opportunity for people that decorate."
Bain said that for the first year, St. Jude will continue the fundraiser around Christmas time, when houses are decorated again. Bian has big plans for her skeletons in December.
To learn more about where to find Michelle visit michelle-bain.com.
You can donate to St. Jude here.