Worcester Family Installed Pirate-Themed Halloween Display

The elaborate setup at 36 Whitman Road features scent-emitting cannons that have prompted a unique local fire safety protocol.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Interior Decorating

Screen-print poster illustration of a pirate ship cannon battery on a lawn, emitting vapor, in warm autumn colors. — The Kurtz family of Worcester has turned their Whitman Road home into a pirate-themed display, complete with smoke-emitting cannons for neighbors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Kurtz family of Worcester has transformed their residence at 36 Whitman Road into an immersive pirate-themed Halloween attraction. The display, which features five PVC-pipe cannons, uses specialized machines to release piña colada-scented smoke to simulate pirate ship fire.

Why it matters

The display has become a local landmark, aiming to foster community joy and holiday spirit. Because the thick smoke is visible from neighboring streets like Sagamore Road, local emergency services have implemented specific procedures to prevent unnecessary concern.

The display currently features five cannons and a cast of skeletons and mermaids, a configuration that has grown significantly since 2020. This year, the installation remains a centerpiece for the family, which includes four children.

The players

The Kurtz family

A Worcester-based family known for creating large-scale, community-focused holiday displays at their residence.

Worcester Fire Department

The local emergency services agency that implemented a specific identification protocol for the display smoke.

The details

To create the pirate effect, the family uses PVC plumbing pipes to construct the five cannons. Smoke machines are positioned on the roof to release the piña colada-scented vapor, which is designed to be easily identifiable by both neighbors and the local fire department.

2013: The family began decorating the house for Halloween.
2020: The display expanded significantly during the pandemic.
2021: The Fire Department established a protocol for smoke identification.

The Home Front

The Kurtz family display follows a trend of increasingly elaborate residential holiday installations designed to foster community interaction. These projects require homeowners to balance festive creativity with local safety regulations and neighborhood logistics.

If you are planning an elaborate holiday display involving smoke or electrical effects, contact your local fire department to ensure your setup does not trigger false emergency calls. Always verify that any materials used for structures are non-flammable and securely anchored to your property.

The takeaway

Large-scale holiday displays can bring neighborhoods together when they are managed with clear communication and safety in mind. Before installing complex visual effects, verify local municipal guidelines for residential decor to ensure your display remains a community joy rather than a safety concern.