In a unique clash between festive spirit and city codes, Cherise Pfeifer of Wausau, Wisconsin, has been compelled to dismantle her controversial Trump-Biden Halloween setup to avoid a hefty daily fine.
After displaying a politically themed Halloween decoration for three weeks, the Wausau City Council ultimately fined Cherise Pfeifer for a municipal code violation, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Every October, Cherise transforms her property into a Halloween spectacle. This year’s display notably included various handmade haunted figures and tombstones. Among the decorations was a staged scene depicting a car crash with political figures represented in an unusual tableau.
The focal point of Cherise's display featured a real vehicle staged to look like it had crashed, complete with a dummy under the bonnet and effigies of Donald Trump as the driver and Joe Biden as the passenger. Consequently, local authorities scrutinized this elaborate setup staged on her lawn.
Over the years, Cherise has maintained this approach to decorating for a decade, becoming famously known throughout her city for its originality and scale, which is made all the more notable by her crafted decorations.
About three weeks into the display, which had been a part of her Halloween tradition for three years without issue, Cherise received a concerning letter. Specifically, the Wausau City Council informed her that she violated the municipal code by parking a car on her lawn, an activity that city regulations specifically prohibit.
Cherise, known in her community for her spectacular decorations, expressed her frustration with the city's enforcement.
Moreover, she stated that community members have always appreciated her decorative flair during the Halloween season. In response to the council’s letter, local supporters voiced their disappointment, describing the city’s actions as overly strict and detrimental to the festive atmosphere.
Furthermore, multiple residents took to social media to share their opinions, claiming the car was an integral part of the seasonal decor and posed no harm.
In addition, some comments criticized the city for what they deemed unnecessary regulation, noting that the vehicle would be removed post-Halloween anyway.
The council threatened a fine of $122 for each day the car remained on the lawn. Consequently, facing escalating costs, Cherise made the difficult decision to comply and removed the car to avoid further penalties.
Despite this setback, Cherise's spirit remains unbroken. In fact, she plans to continue her Halloween celebrations with even more elaborate and perhaps provocative decorations, pondering ideas to both comply with and protest the council’s decision.
Moreover, she mentioned her determination to "go harder next year" and is even considering additional displays that creatively interpret city rules.
Among her ideas is placing a chair with a dummy atop her roof and a large sign to highlight the circumstances under which she had to alter her display this year.
Many share glowing reviews of Cherise's Halloween decorations, which makes feedback on her work easy to find. Additionally, this confrontation with the City Council has only bolstered local support and caused many to question the necessity of certain municipal codes that interfere with seasonal festivities.
Furthermore, the city's citation sparked a broader discussion among Wausau residents about the right to decorate their properties and the community's desire to maintain festive traditions without overly stringent regulations.
Determined not to let this incident dim her creativity, Cherise is already brainstorming ideas for next year's display. In fact, she promises it will be unforgettable and comply with the codes, signaling both a challenge and a commitment to city officials.
