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Wirtz makes his haunted house spooky, not scary by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 9 | Wednesday, October 30, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A 10-foot tall pumpkin-headed monster and a floating ghoul with green slime dripping from its fangs are just a couple of the new attractions awaiting trick-or-treaters at 111 Solingate Dr. For 20 years, Todd Wirtz has transformed his residence into a menagerie of monsters, ghosts and demons for Halloween. Despite the occasional severed head, Wirtz has steered clear of gory decorations, as he wants the attraction -- which takes up his entire front yard -- to be spooky, not scary. The Oakville resident said he's seen other displays that are very graphic -- too graphic. "I don't want kids to see that," he said. "I want it to be spooky, but I want them to have fun." Wirtz estimates about 250-350 cars slow down to peek at his haunted house daily. Last year, he said, some 450 trick-or-treaters visited Halloween night despite heavy rain. The joy the spectacle brings is gratifying, Wirtz said, particularly because putting everything together each year is no easy task. He estimates he's spent $28,000 on the effort over two decades. With more ghosts and ghouls added to the haunted house each year, the time it takes to get everything in place and ready has also increased. Wirtz said it took nine days to set up this year while planning began in late September. Why? Wirtz said he does try to get home earlier to bring his monsters to life (some need inflating). On Halloween night, the creature features will be made all the more creepy by a fog machine, spooky music and sounds and strobe lighting. Coffee will be available for adults. While many residents love the display, the massive chocolate bars Wirtz gives out each year may also have something to do with his home's popularity among trick-or-treaters with Wirtz estimating he gives out about $2,000 per year in chocolate. In the future, Wirtz said it would be valuable to gain a business sponsor and to have his effort support a charity, particularly one that assists children or dogs. Wirtz even has a website for his haunted effort, visit www.oakvillehauntedhouse.ca. Shhhh... Oakville's Todd Wirtz has been staging a haunted house for two decades at his Solingate Drive home. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) Oakville's Best Kept Secret. "I'm still a big kid," said Wirtz. "I like making kids happy and I want to get them off the couch and out doing something." Wirtz is also hopeful his example will rub off on others who will make their own haunted houses to keep the Halloween spirit alive. Anyone interested in seeing Wirtz's haunted house can stop by between 7-11 p.m., although Princess Cut Diamond! 1.14ct, VS2, G colour GIA Certified Diamond - Value $18,500 You can have this one only, for $8,950* The Highest Quality,The Lowest Price. Guaranteed. 309 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.339.7604 · www.omnijewelcrafters.com *Subject to prior sale and may be terminated at any time. WATCH US WOMEN New Look, Same Fabulous Service! We Have Renovated To Better Your Shopping Experience! Tribal · CYC · Nally & Millie · Select Joseph Ribkoff · Sympli 1131 Nottinghill Gate GLEN ABBEY SALE 25% OFF OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 905-827-2271 Pilgrams Way N. Service Rd. QEW Speers Rd. 4th Line Nothinghill Gate