Longview Resident Builds 15-Foot Pumpkin Wall
This massive seasonal display uses recycled pallets and three circuit breakers to safely manage hundreds of lights.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Landscaping
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Longview resident Tom May has constructed a 15-foot-tall pumpkin wall in his yard, featuring 335 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns. The display, located at the corner of Knob Crest and Regal Oak, showcases pop culture icons like Darth Vader and Mickey Mouse.
Why it matters
The massive display serves as an extreme example of seasonal DIY projects that require careful structural planning to remain safe for public viewing. By distributing the electrical load across three separate circuits, the builder manages the high power demand of hundreds of lights.
The 15-foot structure relies on 3/4-inch plywood and shipping pallets, with 75% of the assembly screws reclaimed from prior projects. Three dedicated circuit breakers provide power for the illumination.
The players
Tom May
A local resident who has spent two decades refining his annual pumpkin collection.
The details
May built a freestanding shelving unit to support the pumpkins, anchoring the frame near a tree for added stability. The lighting system is segmented across three independent circuit breakers to prevent overloading a single outlet during operation.
Timeline
Oct. 24–25, 2026: May erected the pallet-based framework.
Oct. 25, 2026: The builder conducted structural integrity tests.
Oct. 26, 2026: The 335 jack-o'-lanterns were mounted onto the completed structure.
The Home Front
Large-scale holiday displays often push the limits of residential electrical panels, which are typically designed for standard appliance loads. Proper circuit management is essential to prevent system strain when scaling up decorative lighting.
Before attempting heavy DIY installations, ensure your structure is anchored properly to prevent tipping in high winds. Always consult a licensed electrician if your holiday display requires multiple circuits or modifications to your home electrical system.
The takeaway
Ambitious DIY displays require a balance of recycled materials and robust safety engineering to avoid structural failure or electrical hazards. Homeowners should always prioritize circuit load capacity when planning multi-component holiday lighting layouts.
Further reading
For more tips on managing large outdoor features, see our guide to Landscaping.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kltv.
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Do you enjoy seeing elaborate holiday displays in your own neighborhood?
