Visit this Halloween display in the Shark River Hills section of Neptune if you dare and help raise money for cancer research.
Once again, the Bizzaro Circus and Midway will be pitching its tent next to a haunted graveyard that magically appears each Halloween at the Granelli home in the Shark River Hills section of Neptune.
The show has already raised $6000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Although the show provides fun for area residents life is not fun for children with cancer. It’s scary.
In addition to raising awareness for children’s pediatric cancer, the Halloween display raises money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation in Irvine California. Every year since inception, the Granelli’s Halloween Fundraiser has surpassed their fundraising goals. Last year the family more than beat their original goal of $2,000, raising $2,504. This year’s goal of $2500 puts the effort on track to raise $10,000 or more for the PCRF in nine years, a full year ahead of its 10-year commitment. In 2021, the PCRF provided a QR code which was a huge help in raising donations.
This year, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation celebrates 40 years of cutting-edge research. Its mission is “to fund research that reduces the percentage of children who perish from cancer until that number reaches zero.” Its purpose is to accelerate breakthroughs that transform pediatric cancer care so kids with cancer can spread their wings and soar.” Since 1982, PCRF has been partnering with businesses, foundations, and individuals to improve the care, quality of life and survival rates of children with malignant diseases because the PCRF is committed to continuing to fund innovative research so that every child can have the hope of a cancer free future.
Laura Granelli said, “We’ve done Halloween big for over 13 years now, especially after Hurricane Sandy to thank volunteers who helped us after the storm. Jim’s Halloween Prop Shop really built it up over the years and it’s been extra busy this year creating new props. Starting in August with the creation of the new items, it’s a lot of work to set up and maintain, but it’s worth it considering the laughter from children and adults alike.”
This year marks a major investment, the family said, in the 3000-square- foot display with a new layout for the graveyard which includes a walk through Hunted Trail, new animatronics and props; all highlighted by haunting fog and music. It’s expected that over 16 animatronics will be on display and hopefully some lively ghosts might visit on Halloween night.
The best viewing nights are Mischief Night and Halloween night when most of the animatronics are active. So, come take a walk on the Hunted Trail, see what’s new and why last year nearly 300 people enjoyed the display; all while helping raise some funds for children’s cancer research.
The family’s motto is A little amount of folding money from a lot of people goes along way.
Modest donations are all that is requested.
“So please bring along a few dollar bills and leave them in the Clown Donation Box by the driveway as you enjoy what is most likely the biggest and best Halloween display in the area,” Jim Granelli said.
The display is located at 113 Highland Ave in the Shark River Hills section of Neptune.
All donations go to the cancer research foundation.
As Granelli warned “Don’t worry, the clowns won’t bite, but you must be careful of the haunted spirits who will gladly take you instead of a donation. “