Amy Pence-Brown displays 350 zombie dolls in Boise Vista

Amy Pence-Brown has expanded her Halloween display to include 350 zombie baby dolls in the backyard of her home at 2029 S. Columbus Street. The display, known as Zombie Toyland, is located in the Vista neighborhood on the Boise Bench. Pence-Brown prepared the property for visitors this week in anticipation of Halloween night.

The collection has grown substantially over the past decade. It began with approximately 35 dolls for the first Halloween in 2015. Today, the yard holds approximately 350 figures. The display attracts about 500 visitors each year. Pence-Brown sources most items from thrift stores, donations, and discarded household goods. Residents from across the country have sent dolls to add to the collection.

The origin of the display dates to 11 years ago when Pence-Brown’s two daughters saw a video of an old baby doll turned into a zombie. The girls requested to try the project themselves. Pence-Brown agreed, and they painted and modified about 10 of their old dolls. The family placed the figures outside for trick-or-treaters. Subsequent trips to thrift stores added more dolls to the collection.

The dolls vary in appearance. Some are missing heads, while others have extra body parts. Some figures consist of only heads attached to legs. Pence-Brown incorporates household items into the scene. A non-functional mini-fridge holds baby bottles filled with fake blood. The yard also features a pet cemetery and a rotating barbecue with a doll roasting over fake flames.

A miniature haunted house in the display features figures of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. A shrine to Dolly Parton is a new addition for this year. Pence-Brown describes the group as the thrift store version of Harrison Boulevard. The display relies on repurposed toys and found objects rather than new purchases.

Pence-Brown created the display to keep local families trick-or-treating in the Vista neighborhood. She observed that families often left the area to visit other parts of Boise when her children were young. She wanted to provide a reason for them to stay. The project has since become a neighborhood tradition. Neighbors have joined in the decorating efforts, and families return annually.

Children who visited the display as young kids now consider it a standard part of their Halloween routine. Pence-Brown stated that she has no plans to stop the tradition. She told KIDO Talk Radio that she feels she cannot let down the neighborhood. The display has maintained its scale and visitor count for several years.

The property is open to the public on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31. The viewing hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. The display will operate rain or shine despite weather forecasts predicting rain. Pence-Brown addressed concerns about the dolls getting wet. She noted that some figures might be ruined, while others might simply appear creepier after exposure to the elements.

The location is easily accessible from the Bench. Visitors can walk or drive to the home. The display is free to view. Pence-Brown and her family will be present to greet visitors during the specified hours. The 350 dolls remain the central feature of the yard, surrounded by the various themed decorations described above.