Galewood Yard: Haunted Beef Shop Display Wins Neighborhood Contest

Residents across the region sent in more than 50 photos and videos of their Halloween decorations this year. The entries included cemeteries, graveyards, and various themed structures. A panel selected three displays for their engineering, detail, and local flavor.

Susie Jendro and her husband Mike Jendro won the top prize for their creation in Galewood. They built a haunted homage to Johnnie’s Beef, a restaurant located just down their street in Elmwood Park. The couple submitted a video showing the yard transformed into a spooky dining establishment.

The Jendros said the idea came to them shortly after the 2025 holiday. They wanted to make a big impression for their neighbors. They noted that the departure of the Mars Factory from the area had changed the local Halloween atmosphere. The company previously distributed large amounts of candy, which attracted hundreds of trick-or-treaters to the street.

Susie Jendro stated that the display is an effort to welcome families back to the neighborhood. She described Galewood as a place where residents love the holiday. The goal was to keep the spirit of the season alive for children and adults alike. The display features what they call "frightalian beefs."

Joseph Lee of Park Ridge placed second with a display titled "The Odyssey, but with skeletons." Lee said the couple wanted an epic theme for this year’s entry. The submission focused on a mythological narrative presented through skeletal figures.

Carrie Lever of Aurora took third place for a free, full walkthrough haunted house. The structure is a castle-themed haunt. It features a homemade dragon that breathes fire and moves. Lever described the experience as a complete journey for visitors.

The weather forecast for Halloween calls for highs in the low 60s and a chance of showers. Organizers suggested that the inclement weather would add to the ambience of the displays. All three winning locations are open to the public on the holiday.