When the great pumpkin appears on the steps of the War Memorial Building in downtown Shepherdstown, area residents bristle with anticipation of the spooky spirits and creepy crawlers that lie just behind the doors of the almost 150 year-old building.

This year marks 10 years that Judy Shepherd, along with her children, Jenny and Chris Haynes, and Jacque Chris, have offered this Haunted Hallway attraction to trick or treaters who dared to enter.

At its inception, Shepherd would open her home on W. German street and let children come in to her hallway which was decorated with just a few items.

Her collection of ghoulish garnish continued to grow, and six years ago, Shepherd decided to move the Haunted Hallway to the War Memorial Building.

Jenny Haynes, Shepherd’s daughter, said, “When we moved to the new space, we had all this potential being here [in the building], so our collection got bigger and bigger. The flood gates opened.”

Shepherd and her kids pay great attention to detail and spend many hours decorating to appeal to youngsters and adults alike.

“We try to keep it more spooky than scary,” Haynes said. “We’ve got a lot of fantasy stuff, but also other things that adults are more likely to notice and understand. Stuff that might gross them out a little,” she says with a smile.

Halloween and Shepherdstown have a blooming love story that showcases this town’s community spirit and penchant for celebration.

In the past few years, Shepherdstown has added the Vampire’s Ball, also at the War Memorial Building, and three years ago, BooFest, a week long celebration, was born.

“I love how the town has come together to do things. It’s nice to see everyone get involved,” said Haynes.

Haynes said most of their large figures and much of the decor comes from a company called Grandin Road—in case the inspiration strikes one to decorate their own home with flair.

Upon entering, (last year’s new addition) a life-sized Betelgeuse from the movie, Beetlejuice, will greet visitors, and this year Haynes says they have a new special treat for their guests.

The famous “great pumpkin” on the outside steps is donated by local eatery, The Press Room.

The Haunted Hallway will be open on Halloween night during trick or treat hours, from 6-8 p.m.