Hot Killer Dog! Halloween spirit comes alive in Paris’ South Ward

 Tiffany Martin, dressed as a “killer” hot dog, aka Oscar Myers, stands proudly beside her Creepiest Town in Canada display on Washington Street. It's part of her annual South Ward Scare setup that transforms Paris’ south end into a frightfully fun Halloween destination. Martin and her husband Bernie have been brewing up this haunted tradition for eight years, delighting visitors with their creativity, humour, and Halloween spirit. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

If you’ve ever driven down Washington Street and felt a chill run down your spine, don’t panic, it’s just Hallowe’en spirit at work. More specifically, it’s the handiwork of Tiffany and Bernie Martin, the Paris residents who have turned their love of the spooky season into a full-blown community tradition known as the South Ward Scare.

“I’ve always been such a huge fan of Halloween since I was a child,” said Martin, recalling her earliest memories of the season. “I have the best memories of my parents doing huge displays of unique things. Dozens of pumpkins entering the house.”

When she and her husband Bernie moved to Paris eight years ago, Martin said she saw the perfect opportunity to bring her creativity - and her favourite holiday - to life in a new way. “When Bernie and I moved to Paris eight years ago, we were excited to be a part of a community and have a bigger lawn than our old house in the country to decorate and bring the community together,” she said. “Halloween is always better in numbers. No display is too small or too big.”

From that first display, the Martins’ home quickly became a must-see destination each October. They are the head monsters behind the South Ward Cemetery and Hallowe’en Haunt. And it wasn’t long before the idea spread to their neighbours. “I wanted to turn our home into something special, a safe space for children to come, take it all in and collect their candy on the big night,” Martin said. “Paris obviously has a lot of history – lots of rumours and truth to the haunted history of it.”

That local lore even inspired one of her signature decorations. “What started the whole yard was me duplicating a sign that used to be by the dam, which is no longer there, called Paris, Prettiest Little Town,” she explained. “I thought I would switch it into the creepiest little town, recreate some haunted history and bring this town to life. That sign still stands on our front lawn and to me it’s the centrepiece of the haunt.”

Seeing families stop to admire her work makes all the long hours worth it. “To see people coming and reading the sign, to see kids on their bikes going to find the destinations I have created, and the spooky effect of our new haunted history brings such a delight to me,” Martin said.

Each year, Martin introduces a new theme, keeping fans guessing, and coming back. Last year’s Beetlejuice tribute was a crowd favourite and tied nicely into the new Beetlejuice movie release. But this year, the theme is under wraps, partly by choice, and partly due to a spooky accident that delayed her setup. “This year I’m slacking a little bit,” she admitted with a laugh, referencing an accident bringing out the Halloween decor that left her with stiches. “You can guarantee to see the cemetery set up. The rest will be a Halloween night surprise.”

Martin describes her creative process as “scattered, like any artists.” Inspiration can come from anywhere; a movie, a childhood memory, or a random item she finds around the house. “I generally see something that has caught my eye or a deep memory from my childhood and expand on it,” she said.

She’s also proud of her resourcefulness. “I recycle from past materials or materials I find around the house,” she said. “I do all the painting because it gives me a chance to be creative.”

And yes, the ever-popular South Ward Cemetery will rise again this year. “The cemetery is looking strong,” she said. “A few additions are going up the week before Halloween. The newest tombstone is a Yankees reference to the Blue Jays doing so well this year – Rest in Pinstripes!”

The South Ward Scare Map continues to grow, showcasing homes throughout the neighbourhood that go all-in for the season. “The map is still growing and changing annually but is based on the same neighbourhood each year,” Martin explained. “People can fill out a registration form on the event link, or message me directly to be added. Even if you don’t want to enter the contest, people love to see your home!”

Homes are judged in three categories: Most Festive, Spookiest Presentation, and Best Surprise. Judging is handled by Big Cityyy Arts duo Rubyyy Jones and Prinx Lydia. Watch for a follow-up article next week with their winners announced “There is no cost to join,” Martin noted. 

For those planning a Halloween night stroll, Martin has one important piece of advice. “Families can expect the streets to come alive at dusk,” she said. “Always remember to drive safe, watch where you are driving. It’s best to park the car and walk through the area for safety.”

And for those who think they can see it all in one trip, think again. “Always worth visiting the night of because a lot of people put a lot of displays up on October 31, things that are not weatherproof,” she said. So visit before to take it all in but don’t forget to circle back on Halloween night!

Between the creativity, community spirit, and just the right amount of fright, the South Ward Scare has earned its reputation as one of Paris’ most spirited seasonal traditions. Or, as Martin puts it, “Halloween is always better in numbers!”