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    East Providence woman’s haunt proves ‘the truth is out there’

    By Sarah DoironMike Montecalvo,

    4 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1wQQ9t_0wCs7mNh00

    EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Islanders looking for a spectacular Halloween display will find one in East Providence that’s out of this world.

    Kit Espada has decorated her Oak Avenue home this year to look as though a UFO crashed right into it. Those who visit are also greeted by a skeleton holding an ominous sign that simply reads “the truth is out there.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=39auKF_0wCs7mNh00

    Espada has been decorating her home for Halloween for the past 12 years. She picks a different theme each for for her display, and this year’s theme is one she’s really proud of.

    “I feel like the detail is what makes it special,” she explained. “You look in one direction the first time you come, and then you walk by and see something different. There’s stuff everywhere.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1RoaFf_0wCs7mNh00

    Espada makes most of her decorations by hand, including the massive UFO that “crash-landed” into her home. Her Halloween display is also a family affair, with her husband, sons and mother each pitching in where they can.

    “I make a lot of things from scratch, but there are some things we re-build every year,” she said. “We’ll take a body and change its head or its outfit.”

    More than two dozen animatronics grace Espada’s property, including an alien that got run over by a so-called “Alien Invasion Response Unit.”

    “The Alien Invasion Response Unit came in … but that guy got in the way,” she said.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4TuwR3_0wCs7mNh00

    Though anyone can visit Espada’s Oak Avenue Haunt throughout the week, she said Halloween night will be the best time to check out her display.

    “We bring in actors, we change some things around and reroute where you’re going to walk through,” Espada said. “I think we have about 15 actors in different spots to spook you.”

    SEE ALSO: The best local Halloween displays of 2024 in RI, Mass.

    “The scary things that we tone down a bit now will be on and running,” she continued. “It’s definitely a different experience.”

    Espada said that, while walking through the display is free, she’s hoping visitors will lend a hand to those in need.

    “We don’t enforce it, but we just hope that visitors bring dry goods or canned goods for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank,” Espada said. “We also have a money box for those who would rather donate that way.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0eUMXl_0wCs7mNh00

    Espada said last year, she received more than 700 pounds in food donations and raised $400 for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank .

    It might go without saying, but Halloween is “without a doubt” Espada’s favorite holiday.

    DONATE: Rhode Island Community Food Bank

    “There’s no pressure,” she explained. “You don’t have to do anything, but it’s all creative fun. You can be whoever you want to be and you can have candy.”

    The spooky season is also part of Espada’s career. She’s created props and displays for a number of haunted houses, including the Factory of Terror in Fall River.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ucZYZ_0wCs7mNh00

    Espada’s haunt is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 6:30-10 p.m. Her display will, however, be closed on Oct. 25.

    WPRI 12 is also seeking donations for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank through the Scouting For Food Drive .

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