EVERETT — It’s like a rooftop version of the Macy’s parade.
Giant inflatables sway and pop up across the skyline on this roadshow attraction on Beverly Lane north of the Boeing Freeway.
There’s a Minion, monsters, witches, dragon, grim reaper, ghosts and pumpkins.
What’s up with that?
A festive octogenarian.
Charles Morgan, 89, is the architect of the display that he puts up himself. He gets on the roof to tie down and plug in these figures that light up the night to delight kids and passing motorists.
His wife, Barbara, is his co-conspirator.
Why do they do it?
“Because it’s fun,” Barbara said.
“It’s a hobby,” Charles said. “Some people play golf or tennis. We used to do a lot of skiing. Now we’re a little old for that so it’s decorations.”
The couple started with one inflatable about 15 years ago and just kept adding. The flat roof was the perfect platform for the blowup party.
“About 300 kids come on Halloween,” Barbara said.
“They give me a high five,” Charles said.
They buy most of the blowups from Lowe’s. New this year is the yellow one-eyed Minion and an lighted red-and-black spider that moves its head from side to side.
”We like getting bigger and bigger ones,” Barbara said.
Below the monster mash is the family’s architect business, Charles Morgan &Associates, which specializes in apartment complexes. It’s on the property where the couple built a house in 1966 and raised three children. Two are architects.
Charles said ghost and goblin design aesthetics weren’t part of the curriculum in architect school. It came later in life, when he became a grandpa.
After Halloween, the creatures get deflated and tucked back into their boxes. The entire parade fits into a small space.
Then it’s time to get ready for the next holiday: Thanksgiving. That when the big turkeys come out and Charles gets back on the roof.
And again in December. Check back. It’s an extreme wonderland of lights and Christmas inflatables.
No need to decorate your yard. Just cruise down the 7300 block of Beverly Lane to get your holiday cheer.
And give Charles a high five.
Andrea Brown at 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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