Glenn Kaestner’s hauntingly fun tradition brings joy and community support through trick-or-treating magic
For the past decade, Manville resident Glenn Kaestner has captivated his neighborhood with a spectacular Halloween display, bringing joy to hundreds of families each year. “When I was a young kid, I used to love trick-or-treating,” says Kaestner. “As I got older, my friends didn’t want to trick-or-treat anymore, but I still wanted to celebrate the holiday spirit and give back to the kids that love Halloween as much as I do. I love to see the expression on the kids’ faces. The expression of wow and awe makes all my work worthwhile. I am so passionate about making people happy in our community.”
Manville has faced tough times over the past decade, with floods and destruction, but Kaestner sees Halloween as a way to lift spirits: “Why not do something special for our community?” On Halloween night, over 500 children and families stop by Kaestner’s home to celebrate, with hundreds more visiting in the weeks before to take photos and videos. In addition to the incredible display, Kaestner collects donations for the Plainfield Humane Society of Somerset County, a volunteer-based organization. With the help of his wife, Donna, an active volunteer at the shelter, Kaestner has raised over $15,000 for the cause in the past eight years.
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The local police and first responders even join in by blocking off the street, creating a safe, festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. Stop by on Halloween night and please bring a charitable donation for the shelter . See you on Halloween at 1610 Roosevelt Ave Manville for an unforgettable, spooktacular event that brings smiles and supports a worthy cause!
