For nearly two decades, Joni Autry has brought the Halloween spirit to Owensboro. As the owner of Halloween Havoc, she has spent the last 19 years creating a destination for costume enthusiasts and Halloween lovers alike.
Autry’s journey began in Tell City, where she originally opened a shop that combined her passion for Halloween with fireworks.
“People were driving from Owensboro to my Tell City store in droves,” Autry said. “They kept saying, ‘You need to put one over here.’”
That encouragement led her to open Halloween Havoc in Owensboro; it has since become a local staple.
Autry said her dedication to her customers is evident in the personalized service she provides.
“My big thing is special orders,” she said. “If you can think of an idea, I usually can get it for you; other stores won’t always do that.”
Halloween Havoc specializes in a wide variety of masks, costumes, props, and decorations.
“There aren’t a lot of Halloween stores that carry as many masks as I do,” Autry said. “I carry Trick or Treat Studios, Ghoulish Productions; if there’s a popular one, I usually have it. If I don’t, I’ll get it for you.”
Despite the store’s success, it hasn’t always been easy. Last year, Halloween Havoc was located in the mall, but the mall’s closure forced Autry to find a new space this year. She said rising rent costs have made it challenging to maintain a permanent location.
Currently, Halloween Havoc neighbors Autry’s other business, BOGO Fireworks, which she owns and operates, in the former Family Video location at 1212 J.R. Miller Boulevard.
Halloween Havoc is now open to the public, with hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Autry encourages the community to stop by and see what the store offers as she gears up for her 20th year in business.
“I love Halloween,” she said. “I’m excited to help people find what they need to make their holiday special.”
