DRAGAN HOUSE

 

If your a regular visitor here...you'll know the tradition every year of this post. The Dragan House in Lambertville,  across the river from New Hope,  is a sight. Specifically the 100 block of Union street.  It's like entering a black light, Burton-esque cartoon nightmare. "Nightmare" because there's handmade figures there that are indeed creepy, but oh so fun. Each one is so artistically made and each beautiful in it's own right.   The genius artist behind these amazing creations is town resident Dolores Dragan. Dolores was the Lambertville art teacher for years before retiring and then started to make these fun characters in 1998 and has since become the talk of town. She had originally planned on a few....but it now has upwards of over 50 figures....each inspired by citizens in the area, and are made from branches and paper mache'. Last year marked the 21st year she has proudly displayed this Halloween fest at her home, which has become known as simply the "Halloween House". I don't personally know Dolores, but have talked with her every year I've been to see her place. One figure was even inspired by a ensemble I wore to a drag show several years ago she attended. That was so cool. She is one of the sweetest and gentle ladies too. And trust me...people come far and wide to see this spectacle. I dare even say, it's not Halloween till you've seen Dolores house for the season. 

At night it gets really cool, as she has them all out with black light.

These pictures are ones I didn't use last year. Alas....this is the first year Dolores didn't set up the display which takes weeks....due to the Covid pandemic. It just draws to big a crowd, so she thought not to set it up this year. But leave it to her and many business's in town. Dolores ended up loaning tons of places one or two figures to display in their shops, pubs, dinning establishments and place of bussiness so passer-by's and tourist to seek out and find them!