CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A spooky yard display in Tennessee featuring a family of skeletons tells a new story each day in the month of October.
It all started eight years ago when Sarah Garcia's husband, who was active duty, deployed. What started just as a fun, creative project to do with her kids ended up turning into Garcia's passion.
Garcia and her "Bones Crew" made up of close family and friends began with a very small graveyard of only about eight tombstones and one skeleton, Mr. Bones. Over the years, they have added more than 30 main characters and more than 70 tombstones.
With a fresh display each day in the month of October for the past eight years, Garcia says she has never repeated one of her skeleton yard scenes. All of the props and storylines are designed and built from scratch during the off season. Last year's display took 2,000 zip ties, 200 feet of rebar, 32 original scenes, 16 suits, 18 dresses and much more.
Happy the Bones Family made it out this year, Garcia says the 2021 display almost didn't happen.
"My father, who played a huge role in the Bones (I would bounce design execution ideas off him and he often bought materials without me asking, just to help) passed away this year. His death was difficult on me and, between dealing with the loss and handling his final affairs, I didn’t know if we would be able to host the Bones this year," Garcia said. "That is where my crew came in-they picked me up when I was too upset to work, got me over the design blocks and helped build whatever I needed done."
Considering that each skeleton display is dedicated to that season's theme, adorned with intricate details, and complete with a comical caption, Garcia says it's impossible to pick her favorite.
"If I really had to pick some that stick out, I would chose our SkeleCon scene where the Bones went to a skeleton convention; our masquerade ball, or Barry Bones and Grace D. BanHus’s wedding. Those scenes were just huge in their shear size, number of characters and details. I also think our ER scene from this year will be a memorable one," Garcia said.
The elaborate decorations have caught the attention of those driving by Elkmont Drive in Clarksville and fans from across the country and as far away as Slovakia, Germany and Australia.
"I’m just happy people enjoy our display and look forward to the Bones’s visit each year like we do," Garcia added.
Take a look through the Bones Family displays here.
KEEPING UP WITH THE BONESES:
Oct. 1 :
The display features a hotel concierge, bellboy to take luggage, elaborate graveyard with intricate details like hotel keys and handmade tombstones.
The Bones Family says, "At the Cat and Cauldron, you'll sleep like the dead."
Oct. 2:
Oh snap, the Bones are back!
The Bones Family arrives to the Cat and Cauldron with a heap of luggage and poses for a family photo.
Oct. 3:
The Bones' best friends join the fun and arrive to the Cat and Cauldron.
They "know how to pack more efficiently; much to the relief of our bellhop."
Oct. 4:
The Bones Family and their friends make it to the hotel just in time for couples tennis.
"Mr. Bones knows that between Mrs. Bones's competitive streak and her skill, he has time to enjoy a beverage."
Oct. 5:
The Bones Family and friends put their artistic talents to the test.
"Mrs. Bones and Grace work on their knitting, Marilyn stitches her sampler and Mr. Bones works on his masterpiece, which looks beautiful."
Oct. 6:
What's that? The dinner bell!
The display shows the family enjoying a buffet dinner.
"It just wouldn't be a resort without the buffet dinners," The Bones Family posted. "Of course Bob would show up just in time for the food, but who knows where he's going to put it all away at."
Oct. 7:
In a tropical twist, the Bones take the kids to the beach!
"Mrs. Bones builds sandcastles with Jr. the triplets play in the sand with an unwilling playmate and Barry learns an important lesson about applying sunblock."
Oct. 8:
It's time to hit the trails complete with a map and skeleton horses.
"I wonder how long it will take for the rest to realize they shouldn't have given Mr. Bones the map."
Oct. 9:
Don't be a lazy bones, it's time for exercise!
"Mrs. Bones and her friends sweat to oldies while Mr. Bones swears he's dying, the sequel."
Oct. 10:
It wouldn't be a Bones Family vacation without an excursion! The crew takes a try at ziplining.
"'Try the zip-line,' they said, 'What could go wrong?'... Mr. Bones rethinks his after-life choices."
Oct. 11:
The Bones Family participates in The Cat and Cauldron's annual pumpkin carving contest. Who will win?
"Looks like Mr Bones adheres to the belief that nothing is done well unless it is done in the last minute."
Oct. 12:
Time for an epic volleyball match!
"This is not the time to lose your head Mr. Bones, the game is still in play."
Oct. 13:
Far from a witch's brew, the Bones attend a couple's cooking class with their own renown chef.
Oct. 14:
"Who is up for a boat ride?"
The Bones Family decides to take in nature!
Oct. 15:
Save the last dance for the Bones Family! The crew takes dance lessons from the resort's very own Johnny.
"Everyone dances in Johnny's class - he'll never leave you in the corner. If you don't have a partner, Bob has found a mop does just fine."
Oct. 16:
The Bones attended a wine tasting, but someone destroyed the set.
"They flipped tables, broke set pieces, broke skeletons, and stole them. For this reason, we have pulled the Bones for their safety. We invite people to please come enjoy our graveyard, but at this moment, for their safety, Bones will not be displayed."
Oct. 17:
The Bones Family display bounces back a day after it was destroyed.
"Down but not beaten. After yesterday's vicious attack, the Bones and crew were rushed to the ER."
Oct. 18:
To the community's surprise, the Bones Family welcomes its newest member who came a little earlier than planned.
"Grace and Barry couldn't be happier to introduce Shelby Bones."
Oct. 19:
The Bones prepare for a party!
"Seriously, who gave Mr. Bones the balloons to hold?"
Oct. 20:
The Bones come together for a talent show.
"Time to pull together your dancing shoes, magic props, and best dad jokes, the Bones and friends are attending The Cat and Cauldron's annual Talent Show. Who will take home the coveted 1st prize trophy?"
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