Dallas’ Steven Novak Creates Halloween Chaos with Crashed Truck Display

Steven Novak, renowned for his extravagant Halloween displays, has returned to Oak Cliff with a striking new installation: a crashed truck surrounded by zombies. This year, his elaborate setup has garnered attention worldwide, as fans eagerly anticipate the spooky narrative he has crafted. “What I’m doing has nothing to do with Halloween; it just happens to take place during Halloween,” Novak commented, highlighting his creative focus on spectacle rather than traditional holiday themes.

Planning for this year’s installation began nearly six months ago. Novak, who describes himself as “the classic kid who likes to take everything apart,” conceptualized the scene inspired by the idea of a crashed helicopter, which he had been considering for years. “I’m hyperactive, so I’m always working on things,” he explained, noting his habit of jotting down spontaneous ideas. However, after finding a helicopter, he pivoted to a truck due to concerns from his partner, Rose Cobey, a skydiver who cautioned against the sensitivity surrounding aviation accidents.

The final concept evolved into an upside-down truck with a backstory involving biohazard materials and zombies. “I was trying to explain why there was a truck that crashed in my yard, and it just popped in my head that they were transporting biohazard material,” Novak shared. With the narrative established, he began sketching the scene four months ago on a chalkboard, refining it through multiple drawings before utilizing a 3D rendering program called Blender.

Novak’s craftsmanship extends beyond mere decoration. He learned to weld in order to create figures for the display, including a character named Larry. “I practiced in my garage for a month to create the steel and aluminum figure,” he stated. Another character, Moe, known as the “thirsty zombie,” was designed to resemble a fountain, with an iron figure holding a barrel over its head. Novak’s commitment to detail is evident in his use of repurposed elements from previous displays, including gory body parts and characters wearing iconic masks.

Funding for the project posed a challenge. Until recently, Novak expressed concerns to his large TikTok following about his budget, which typically caps at $5,000 per scene. However, generous donations poured in from fans globally, including a significant contribution from a supporter in Norway, enabling him to acquire a 1992 Nissan truck for the display. “One of my rules is it has to be plausible and real,” he emphasized. The truck is rigged to give the illusion of lights operating, adhering to Novak’s commitment to authenticity in his setups.

Over 300 hours have already been invested in the planning and construction of this year’s installation, with Novak continuing to fine-tune elements even as the deadline approaches. He intends to add additional features like lasers and a “citizen zombie” character, potentially enhancing the immersive experience for viewers. Novak is also contemplating patenting a unique mechanism he developed that allows one of his figures to swing autonomously.

Looking ahead, he is already brainstorming ideas for next year’s display, which may feature Terminator robots and laser tag, aiming to create an interactive experience. “I might as well let the world have it instead of it collecting dust in my garage,” he remarked, reflecting his innovative spirit.

With his captivating displays, Novak continues to attract attention and delight audiences, reaffirming his status as a creative force in the realm of seasonal decorations. Each year, he manages to blend the bizarre with the imaginative, pushing the boundaries of conventional Halloween decor.