Denton renames itself Halloween, Texas, and planning 31 days of events to drive up tourism and family entertainment [Video]

HALLOWEEN, Texas — Elm Street in this North Texas city is a nightmare.

There’s a phone booth covered in a neon green ooze. When you pick up the receiver, you hear a cryptic message. A sandworm bursts out of a local business’ patio. A cemetery with rows of tombstones is too close for comfort. The courthouse is lit up in a purple light like a haunted castle. If you walk around on the right night, you might see people carrying machines that beep as they search for roaming spirits while others work to end a witch’s reign.

Welcome to Halloween, Texas, the city formerly known as Denton.

Since Mayor Gerard Hudspeth ceremonially changed Denton’s name for October, residents and tourists have something to scream about. For 31 days, the city’s downtown has been transformed into this spooktacular village.

Cities in Texas and across the U.S. have long hosted events to celebrate Halloween, like …