Growing up she did not have a Christmas tree, and getting apiece of candy was a huge treat. However, that all changed when sheturned 18 – roughly 40 years ago.

One local child refers to her home as “Disneyland” around theholidays, as Mary Manny’s home on Zetus Road transforms to matchthe theme of the season.

Halloween is no different.

Manny began setting up her display of roughly 15 pieces twoweeks before Halloween. Display items include pumpkins, dummies,spider-webs, lights, sounds and a graveyard.

“This year I’ve made it simple,” said Manny. “I didn’t want toscare the kids away.”

If she wanted to, there would be plenty of children to scareaway.

Manny said she expected more than 100 people to visit her housethroughout the weekend, which include more than decorations. Shedressed up and handed out treats and baked goods to children whostopped by her house.

“My favorite part is to see the smile and laughter on thechildren’s faces,” said Manny. “If kids come to 1099 Zetus, theyknow they’re coming to a safe place.”

That place can sometimes be more than an interesting sight.According to daughter Shelley Griffith, it can be memory lane.

“Old day-care kids from 10 years ago will come and tell aboutwhat’s going on in their life,” said Griffith.

Griffith started stockpiling treats a month ago and hadaccumulated roughly 150 candy bags to give out.

However, Manny will not get much rest after Halloween, as shewill start thinking about where to place her Christmasdecorations.

“I’ll always be a child,” said Manny.