The Magic of Halloween on Thompson Street: Inspiring the Next Generation
Bordentown City, NJ | Halloween 2026
Sometimes, decorating your house for Halloween means a few pumpkins, some cobwebs and a spooky skeleton. But when you're an artist with a creative imagination, Halloween decorating can turn into an entire adventure!
From Alice in Wonderland to The Wizard of Oz, and this year's Indiana Jones-inspired "The Lost Expedition: The Search for the Missing Stone," Thompson Street in Bordentown City has become a place where imagination comes to life.
It all started back in 2003, when Pat and Frank began with a simple Halloween display. They didn't want to scare the neighbors! But year after year, the decorations grew, the neighbors joined in, and eventually the street was welcoming more than 1,000 trick-or-treaters.
But what makes Halloween 2026 especially meaningful isn't just the incredible display. It's the story behind it.
Growing up in Bordentown, Gage Curran was inspired by the Halloween magic Pat and Frank created on Thompson Street. This year, that inspiration came full circle when Gage had the opportunity to bring his own artistic vision to the very tradition that had inspired him.
And what an adventure! With just weeks to prepare, Gage created an elaborate expedition featuring hand-carved scenery, lighting, sound and plenty of imagination.
There's something pretty special about that.
As we get older, we sometimes forget that the things we do, the passions we share and the traditions we create can leave lasting impressions on the next generation. We may not even realize who's watching, learning or dreaming of doing something similar one day.
For Pat and Frank, what started as a little Halloween fun became a neighborhood tradition. For Gage, it became an inspiration.
And isn't that what community is all about?
Sometimes the greatest thing we pass along isn't something we teach. It's something we inspire.
Thank you to Pat, Frank, Gage and the Thompson Street neighbors for reminding us that a little creativity, a lot of imagination and a shared love of Halloween can create magic that lasts for generations.
🎃 There's good happening everywhere. Sometimes it's hiding right behind a Halloween mask!
WATCH INTERVIEW HERE: https://bit.ly/Halloween_ThompsonStreet
