Steven Novak, a Dallas-based decorator renowned for his extravagant Halloween displays, has returned this year with an even more ambitious setup in Oak Cliff. His latest creation features a dramatic scene with a crashed truck, sparking excitement among fans and followers worldwide. Novak’s unique approach to Halloween has transformed the holiday into a canvas for his creativity.
Despite his impressive creations, Novak admits he is not particularly fond of Halloween. “I don’t like Halloween,” he said. “What I’m doing has nothing to do with Halloween; it just happens to take place during Halloween.” For him, the holiday serves merely as a backdrop for his imaginative projects, which he describes as opportunities to showcase “crazy stuff” in his yard.
Planning for this year’s display began nearly six months ago. Novak, who describes himself as “the classic kid who likes to take everything apart,” often starts with a grand concept. This year, he has focused on the idea of a crashed truck, an idea he has pondered for years. “I’m hyperactive, so I’m always working on things,” he explained, noting that his brainstorming often leads to unique Halloween themes.
The initial concept of a crashed helicopter evolved due to concerns from his partner, Rose Cobey, who is a skydiver. She felt that a helicopter crash might be too sensitive a subject, so the idea was transformed into an upside-down truck, accompanied by a storyline involving zombies. Novak created a narrative in which the truck, transporting biohazard materials, becomes the catalyst for a zombie outbreak after a leak occurs.
With the scene set, Novak sketched his ideas on a chalkboard and refined them through a series of drawings, ultimately transferring the designs into a 3D rendering program called Blender. He meticulously planned each figure’s dimensions and materials, stating, “Once I decide how to get my head around the material, I’m unstoppable.” His commitment to realism is evident in his approach to building the props.
For a character named Larry, Novak learned to weld, practicing for a month to create a durable steel and aluminum figure. Another character, named Moe, the “thirsty zombie,” was designed using welded iron, allowing him to stand with a 55-gallon barrel over his head, functioning as a fountain. Novak’s attention to detail has captured the interest of his followers, who appreciate the layers of creativity in his work.
In a nod to his past displays, Novak incorporated repurposed gory body parts from previous years, enhancing the narrative of the scene. He also introduced a character named Shemp, the fourth Stooge, who is flung from the wreckage of the truck. This blend of humor and horror has made his displays a hit among fans.
Funding for the extravagant setup nearly fell short when Novak realized he was over his usual budget of $5,000. To his surprise, donations flooded in from supporters worldwide, including $1,000 from a fan in Norway, enabling him to acquire a 1992 Nissan truck. He has creatively adorned the vehicle with lighting and fabric to simulate flames, emphasizing his rule that all elements of his display must be plausible and realistic.
“There’s a narrative,” he stated. “If they were infected, there’s a reason for it.” This dedication to authenticity guides his creative process. Novak ensures that every light source is real, avoiding artificial alternatives that could break the immersion of his scene.
The cumulative effort and creativity he invests in these displays are staggering. He has already spent over 300 hours conceptualizing and constructing this year’s setup, continually refining details up to the last moment. He plans to add more elements, such as lasers and a citizen zombie, to enhance the experience for visitors.
Looking ahead, Novak is already brainstorming ideas for next year’s display. He envisions incorporating elements like “Terminator robots” and laser tag, engaging audiences in a new way. “It’s going to be awesome,” he said, showcasing his forward-thinking approach.
As the Halloween season approaches, Steven Novak remains committed to captivating his audience with innovative and immersive displays, further solidifying his reputation as a standout decorator in Dallas. His work serves as a reminder of the creativity and passion that can transform even the most traditional celebrations into extraordinary experiences.
