On October 31, 2024, the Robinson family turned their front yard into a living pirate ship, complete with skeletal sailors and a blue glow, drawing thousands of trick‑or‑treaters to Sterling Heights.
Nathan Robinson, who has spent decades crafting elaborate Halloween scenes, said the project took more than 60 hours to assemble. The family, including his wife and five children, coordinated with relatives from out of town to bring the ship to life with live actors.
The display is part of a broader neighborhood tradition. Nearby, Rick and Kathy Stys have transformed their property into a cemetery‑to‑graveyard display since 2010, winning the 2024 Beautification Commission Halloween contest. Paul Nesterowich's 500‑pound gargoyle, which spans 14 feet, and Randy and Kristy Watycha's vintage Beulah figure are other local highlights.
Neighbors say the displays turn the streets into a communal festival. A 10‑year‑old from a nearby elementary school told reporters, 'I always want to see the pirate ship; it makes Halloween impossible to forget.'
City officials announced that the Robinsons' display will be featured in the upcoming Sterling Heights Halloween Parade, scheduled for November 3, 2024, and the family plans to invite more actors for next year’s show.