Mike Ricci in his Halloween-decorated condo in Sacramento.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – In a candlelit condo in downtown Sacramento, Mike Ricci has filled every corner with Halloween décor. He is a self-proclaimed Halloween enthusiast, with a collection of both vintage and budget-friendly items filling floor to ceiling with black cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, skeletons and witches on brooms.

At the age of 75, Sacramento-local Mike Ricci seems more dedicated to his Halloween-décor collecting hobby than ever.

Each year, several excursions take Ricci across Northern California from Petaluma to Auburn to Amador City where he scours antique stores, arts festivals and thrift stores for the best items to add to his collection.

But in 2025, several health issues kept Ricci home more than usual. To continue shopping, Ricci turned to a new avenue: the internet.

“Some things I had to return. But most things were actually pretty cool,” Ricci said.

An antique table is used as a pumpkin display in Ricci’s condo.

Ricci’s obsession with collecting Halloween decorations began when he was a child in the 1950s.

“As a kid, I’ve just always been fascinated with Halloween,” Ricci said in a 2024 interview with the Land Park News.

Ricci grew up in Land Park, just two houses in from Vic’s Ice Cream on Eighth Avenue.

“We had a big backyard with a shed. Around fifth grade, I asked my parents if I could turn it into a haunted shed for Halloween and they agreed. At the time, there was a Stop & Shop at the corner of Sutterville Road, so I walked over and bought all kinds of Halloween stuff. After that, I began collecting papier-mâché pumpkins and that’s how my love for it all started,” Ricci said.

Today, Ricci’s condo near Crocker Art Museum is jam-packed with years’ worth of items. Ricci said he sometimes swaps items out over the years, so each item has a chance to be displayed.

A skeleton sits in a chair in Ricci’s living room.

His most prized possession is a German decoration made the 1920s, which he bought for $10 at a Jackson antique store. He estimates its value is between $350 and $500.

But Ricci is not elitist when it comes to collecting. He fills the gaps between higher-value collectibles with pieces from stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Target.

“I’ll know it when I see it,” Ricci said of how he determines if he is going to purchase an item. “That is the fun of the treasure hunt.”

Although the hunting and decorating process is usually done solo, Ricci is supported from afar by Kathy Jensen, his “forever girlfriend” of 27 years, who resides in their home in LaConner, WA.

There is more to be seen in a display cabinet filled with embossed ceramic pumpkins.

One of Ricci’s favorite aspects of collecting is the creative aspect of displaying the items.

“I’ve always been good at interior decorating,” Ricci said, reflecting on his childhood days and the backyard shed, which he decorated from floor to roof, and the garden too. He often uses asymmetry in his decorating as seen in his condo, with mismatched gallery walls and sets of three items displayed together.

Ricci prefers vintage-style Halloween decorations and has several categories of items including pumpkins, one of which is featured atop his grandmother’s lamp in his living room, black cats, owls and skeletons, with one seated in a chair in his living room.

There is also an array of daintier décor such as glasses, candles and dishes in display cabinets.

His walls are filled with wreaths, “Happy Halloween” signs and postcards in thrifted frames.

Each year, Ricci takes about four trips to off-site storage to get the décor and spends four days setting it up. Set-up typically begins on Oct. 1.

A Jack-O-Lantern on display on Ricci’s balcony.

After Halloween, it takes another day and a half to take down the décor, and a day and a half to dust and sweep.

For Ricci, it is absolutely worth it.

“I get great joy out of it,” he said.

As for Ricci’s collection, it will one day be passed down and distributed between close friends and loved ones including his grandkids; “Picadilly” Lilly, Micheal Joseph and Emma Margaret.

“Matt and Christina Orlando from Philadelphia will inherit most of my collection as they both love Halloween as I do,” Ricci said.

After getting a later start to shopping this year due to health setbacks, Ricci scored finds in Marysville, Yuba City and Woodland.

At 75, Ricci isn’t letting his health or age slow down his hobby. With the new world of online shopping, Ricci’s hunt is far from over. 

The original article on Mike Ricci titled “Booootiful Things: Wickedly well-curated Halloween collection is a treat to behold” was published in the Oct. 25, 2024, issue of the Land Park News.