A MILE FROM THE HALLOWEEN attraction Circus De Soulless in Faribault, a traveling carnival has set up temporary residence along a busy corridor in town. That would be CarnEVIL, intentionally misspelled and located at 406 Seventh Street Northwest.
On a recent weekend, I noticed signage and eye-catching pops of red while passing by the home, did a swing around the block, stopped for a closer look and met ringmaster—my title, not his—Robb Morris.
Here Robb posed skeletons playing carnival games in a carnival/carnevil type setting complete with a red-and-white striped canopy entrance leading to his front door. Walk under that canopy and, if you look closely, you’ll notice blood-splattered walls. Well, not really, but red paint looks a lot like blood at Halloween.
I didn’t miss the popcorn-eating rat either, tipped on its side until righted by Robb. I really don’t like rodents or any animal that unexpectedly causes terror or fright. That includes an injured raccoon recently trapped in our garage and requiring a call to animal control.
All of that aside, getting to the Morris front door to collect a Halloween treat requires a bit of bravery. Even once there, the frights continue with caged skeletons suspended above the entry on the stately brick house once owned by the Ochs family.
I commented to Robb that his is the “Ochs house,” something I bet he hears all the time. The Ochs family operated a well-known southern Minnesota department store based in Faribault. Eventually Verna Ochs, upon the death of her husband, Al, in 1969, headed the business. She was among only a handful of women in the country running a department store at the time. Locally, Verna’s signature hats distinguished her. Several of those came with the house, Robb noted, and will stay with the house.
From Halloween to hats, I got sidetracked for a moment while chatting with Robb. We got back on subject when he mentioned that for the first time this year, he built some of his scenes with old pallets and scrap wood. He shops dollar stores for props. And he also trades Halloween goods with his daughter in Woodbury, who gets into Halloween decorating just like her dad.
It’s good fun, this CarnEVIL created by a man who clearly loves Halloween enough to design a set that delights with detailed fun and frights.
FYI: Be sure to also visit Circus De Soulless, 234 First Street Southwest, for an even larger and interactive Halloween display.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
It’s always a fun time of year ! Our huge Halloween Fest is this Saturday and it is one of the best events our town offers. People really get into the spirit, so to speak. 🙂
That sounds like a fun event in Brevard.
this is so fun and amazing! he is so incredibly creative, and i’m happy to hear that he repurposes materials and finds an inexpensive way to create up his circus. everyone will love it. that’s two amazing displays in a row for you, here’s to halloween in minnesota!
It’s so wonderful that the these two families open their yards to community for Halloween. Such a gift of love.
I so too, what a gift. They clearly are people that get joy from bringing others joy