The days are getting shorter, the air is crisp, and the familiar chill of the northern plains has already begun to bite. But on Minot Air Force Base, the cold can’t freeze the Halloween spirit. From haunted lawns filled with fog and flashing lights to cheerful pumpkins glowing on front steps, the residents of Minot AFB are proving once again that neither wind, snow, nor freezing rain can stop the fun when it comes to Halloween.
Across the country, Halloween is a highlight for children, a night to dress up in their favorite costumes, fill bags with candy, and explore neighborhoods glowing with decorations. But for families stationed at Minot AFB, Halloween can look a little different. North Dakota weather is infamous for its unpredictability; snow can arrive as early as September, and icy winds can make trick-or-treating a true endurance test. Parents often find themselves layering costumes over snow suits, wrapping kids in scarves and hats just to brave the elements.
Still, no matter how cold it gets, the spirit of the holiday burns bright and it’s thanks to the creativity and dedication of the base community.
For residents like Matthew McDonald, assigned to the 705 Munitions Squadron, decorating is more than a hobby, it’s a way to bring warmth, joy, and a sense of normalcy to life in an isolated posting. Known across base housing for bringing the Shockwave spirit to life through his elaborate display, complete with lights, sound effects, a haunted house, and the perfect mix of fright and fun, McDonald’s home has become a must-see stop for families driving through.
McDonald’s yard comes alive each October with animated figures, spooky decorations, and a dazzling light show that draws visitors from across the base. For him, the real reward isn’t the decorations themselves, it’s seeing the reactions of the children who stop by, even when the North Dakota wind doesn’t always cooperate.
Just a few streets over, Lisa Sharp and her family also transform their lawn with Halloween decorations. “We do it because it’s fun, the community here at Minot AFB has been so great to us. If we can give back by putting a smile on someone’s face on their drive home, it’s all worth it!”
That sense of community spirit runs deep across the base. Neighbors often compete in good fun to see who can create the spookiest or most creative displays. On Halloween night, families bundle up and walk or drive through the neighborhoods, admiring each home’s unique setup. Some residents even hand out hot chocolate alongside candy, giving kids and parents alike a much-needed warm-up as they trick-or-treat through the chilly evening.
Whether it’s McDonald’s haunted house or Sharp’s spooky lawn the residents of Minot AFB are proving that Halloween spirit knows no bounds. Despite freezing temperatures and the early signs of winter, families here find creative ways to celebrate, to connect, and to make their corner of North Dakota feel a little warmer.
