In October, businesses across Monroe put decorated skeletons on display to show their Halloween spirit and support a local cause. To assist in funding the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, businesses buy a package with the skeletons included from the museum and are free to decorate them as they wish. The only request from the museum is that it is kept family friendly.

For many businesses, the event is less about advertising and more about community connection.

“I don’t think it brings more business,” Kirsten Finley of Bayou Dental Group said. “[It] just shows we are involved in the community.”

Will Erwin from Newks’s Eatery discussed the decorating aspect.

“We try to decorate our skeleton with a new theme that relates to our business each year,” Erwin said. “This year, our skeleton is decorated as a spooky chef for Bone Appetit at Newk’s.”

The skeletons have drawn students’ eyes, like that of junior English major John Harrison.

“It made me want to keep driving down that road even longer,” Harrison said. “In fact, I’m going back again today to get a better look.”

For the Children’s Museum, the skeleton fundraiser is one of the most anticipated events of the year.

“We look forward to this fundraiser as much as our generous sponsors and the community that enjoys the event.” Dawn Landry said.

The public is invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 31 at 10 a.m., where families can walk or drive to see the skeletons. They will also be able to take a selfie at the gazebo with a “How to Train Your Dragon” themed display.