One of Alberta's scariest Halloween decorated homes is found in Erskine, at least according to a contest hosted by Mason Martin Homes.
The Jobs' residence on Maple Close has been increasingly decorated during October, over the past five years, with the grand finale being on Halloween night. On that night, Oct. 31, the house lights up and becomes a trove of spooky sights and sounds for trick-or-treaters.
This year, while listening to the radio, Heather Jobs learned about the second annual Spooktacular Hunt, hosted by Mason Martin Homes.
While last year's decorations were mostly on the inside, the contest opportunity had the family setting up the majority of their decorations on the front of their home and their yard.
Many people submitted photos and videos of their homes and Jobs said she was nervous that her home wouldn't make the break.
"The other entries were all so great," she said.
Once the company chose its top three finalists, it was based on the decision of Facebook fans and supporters, Jobs explained.
The couple knew that if it came down to Facebook votes, they could win it with the support of their many family, friends, and the wider community. Their decorations at Halloween have always gathered positive feedback and strong support from the community.
When their house made the final three cut, Jobs said she had to take a moment to contain herself.
"We were so excited," she said. "My husband, Terry, had said all along we could do it. And here we were."
Their post on Facebook was shared hundreds of times, and on Monday, Oct. 31 – as parents took photos of their costumed children outside their home – the family found out that they were the winners of the best decorated Halloween house.
"We won because of the people in our community," Jobs said. "Just thank you. Thank you so much."
The win is also a validation for Jobs, who takes almost the entire month of October to decorate the home. With both her and Terry working, and with three young kids to ferry about to activities, the decorations take a distant third place in priority.
"You sort of do it as you can," she said.
This year's snow didn't help, but as soon as it vanished under the warmth of a pale autumn sun, Jobs was out there setting up her decorations.
As winners of the contest, Jobs and her family have won an outdoor propane fire pit from Apex Fireplace, and a beverage fridge from General Appliances in Lacombe.
Even if they hadn't won, Jobs said the holiday is one of the best ones of the year for her and her family.
"We (decorate our home) because it lets us be kids again," she said.