The North Town Woods community was swarmed by more than 800 costumed kids who came out to the much sought after, candy-rich neighborhood where the majority of homes participate in the annual Halloween event.

Homeowners Terri Beckett and her artist husband Dave thought they were prepared for the holiday when they set up an art ghoulery in their garage and purchased $200 worth of candy, but the good weather brought more kids then they expected. “We ran out of candy and had to offer hot dogs, cheese and crackers, chips and cookies.”

While everyone was seeking candy, the most popular home on the block proved to be the “Stranger Things” house on Northtown Drive. The Haleys decided on their Halloween theme six months ago and spent the past few months collecting second-hand materials to build the set. The neighborhood has been doing this for more than 20 years, “and six years since we’ve been here,” Brent Haley said. “ The kids love it and the community response is awesome.”

Wylder Modine, 8, and a third-grader at Blakely Elementary, made his first trip to North Town Woods after many years of trick o’ treating on Winslow Way. He went early to avoid the crowds. His mother, Hasalyn, said he planned his costume in August and put the finishing touches on the hand-painted silicone molded mask with attached 3D printed pieces that night.

Hasalyn said Wylder had never experienced the magic of the North Town Woods on Halloween, and seeing Joyce and Hopper at the “Stranger Things” house was exciting. “He had the time of his life. It was fun to see the lights and the decorated houses. It was so celebratory and fun.”