APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) - A Fox Cities Halloween tradition is back in Appleton.

The Rades family is cranking out pumpkins by the dozen.

"I would carve pumpkins as a little kid, triangle eyes and square noses" says Kevin Rades.

He still loves transform gourds into great works of art. Rades' passion for the holiday started early.

"My grandma on my mom's side was born on Halloween" he explains. "So its always been a big deal in our family".

Kevin hopes this display will give other families the same joy. "It's why we do it. Some of the best scenes we see are the people's reactions. A little girl about three walked up and said "wow". That's perfect that's exactly why we do it".

It is a labor of love for the Rades family logging more than 24 hours of carving.

They collect a donation each year from visitors.  This year the Fox Valley Humane Association will benefit.

Liz Pirner from the FVHA explains "It goes toward medical costs, daily care. We do 96 loads of laundry a day. We're just really lucky when people take it upon themselves to do fundraising it's a big part of why were successful and able to care for so many animals".

The pumpkins are on display at 1225 E. Harding Street in Appleton. The event runs Sunday and Halloween Monday from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Click here for more information.

Channel 5's Millaine Wells reports.