It’s Halloween, and that means it’s time to announce the winner of this year’s Austin Chronicle home haunt competition. And the prize goes to …

What could be a more perfectly Austin Halloween than a backyard gig where not all the ribs are on the grill. Congratulations to Jerry Blackman and his incredible Southwest Austin display that is both ghoulish and hilarious. Jerry wins a special prize pack, curated by Chronicle Culture editor Richard Whittaker.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

BrunkyArt Studio’s Wall of Cryptids

Jason Wallerstein of BrunkyArt has created an incredible outdoor gallery of cryptids, from the Mothman to the jackalope. Drop by the studio (807 Russet Valley, Cedar Park) between 4pm and 8pm on Halloween night to see the display, get candy and hotdogs, visit the studio store, and, most importantly, contribute to their food drive for Hill Country Community Ministries Food Bank – cereal, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, and apple juice appreciated.

Blanck Mortuary

If any of those 999 happy haunts are missing from the Happiest Place on Earth, then maybe they’re to be found at Blanck Mortuary in Hutto, an incredible tribute to the Haunted Mansion.

Congratulations to all, and a huge thanks to everyone who entered the competition.

This article appears in October 27 • 2023.

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