In Oak Cliff, Texas, Steven Novak has returned with an even more elaborate Halloween display, captivating fans around the world. This year, he has transformed his yard into a dramatic scene featuring a truck that appears to have crashed, surrounded by zombies dressed in hazmat suits. Novak’s unique approach to Halloween decor has made him a viral sensation, and he continues to push the boundaries of creativity with his installations.
Turning Ideas into Reality
Novak, who describes himself as “hyperactive,” began conceptualizing this year’s display nearly six months ago. He has long been fascinated with the idea of a crashed vehicle, and his latest inspiration came from a vision of a helicopter wreck. After discussions with his partner, Rose Cobey, who is a skydiver, he pivoted to a crashed truck theme, ensuring it aligned with their shared vision while avoiding any sensitive topics related to aviation accidents.
“I was trying to explain why there was a truck that crashed in my yard, and it just popped in my head that they were transporting biohazard material,” Novak explained. “That’s why they’re wearing hazmat suits.” He developed a backstory in which a leak from one of the barrels caused the driver to become zombified, leading to the crash.
To bring his vision to life, Novak sketched the concept on a chalkboard, refined it through numerous drawings, and used a 3D rendering program called Blender to finalize dimensions. His attention to detail is evident, as he meticulously plans every element of the display, ensuring that everything is plausible and real.
Community Support and Creative Engineering
Novak faced a challenge in acquiring a vehicle for his setup, lamenting to his large TikTok following about his budget constraints. Donations began to pour in from around the world, enabling him to purchase a 1992 Nissan truck, which he creatively adorned to simulate flames. “One of my rules is it has to be plausible and real,” he said. “I don’t want anything fake.” Novak’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in his choice to use real light sources rather than artificial spotlights, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers.
He has invested over 300 hours into designing and building the scene, which includes animatronics and props he has crafted himself. This year’s display features a character named Moe, a “thirsty zombie,” who is designed to function as a fountain. The figure, standing on two legs and holding a large barrel, showcases Novak’s welding skills, which he developed through practice in his garage.
Novak’s previous displays have left a mark on his audience, and he incorporates elements from past installations into his current setup. For instance, repurposed body parts from earlier years are scattered throughout the scene. Fans, including the grandchildren of two of the Stooges, are actively following the project on social media as Novak continues to tweak the installation.
Looking ahead, Novak is already brainstorming ideas for next year’s display, considering themes involving Terminator robots and laser tag. “I might as well let the world have it instead of it collecting dust in my garage,” he said about a new figure he designed that can swing using its own power. His innovative spirit and dedication to recycling and repurposing materials ensure that his future projects will be just as exciting as his current display.
As Halloween approaches, Novak’s yard continues to attract attention, drawing visitors eager to take in the elaborate setup. His ability to combine narrative with intricate design ensures that his work remains a highlight of the season.
