In our sleepy town of Mont Belvieu, a spooky tradition has taken root, marking the arrival of the Halloween season with an eerie fright. For the past 21 years, our community has been honored by the presence of the infamous mastermind of horror: Michael Myers. Yet, behind the chilling mask and heart-stopping jump scares, a man has turned his love for terror into an exciting community custom for everyone to enjoy.
“I’ve been Michael Myers for 21 years,” the man behind the mask, Nathan Bennett, said. “When I was a teenager, nobody scared me more than Michael Myers. So around Halloween, I wanted to dress up as him and no one could scare me, and so that’s how it all started. And it just became a tradition that I would be him every year.”
Bennett walks down Eagle Drive and Perry for an hour every day during October, becoming a familiar and looked-forward-to sight for the locals. He deliberately selected this route because of its accessibility and safety, making it simple for people to pull over and take pictures with the frightening character. Bennett also spends his time in costume taking visits to local businesses for a chilling surprise.
“My goal is to bring a lot of fun, positive energy to the community,” Bennett said, “There’s not much to do around Mont Belvieu, so it’s just a little piece of free fun to give to everybody.”
Beyond the straightforwardness of his mission, Bennett is deeply committed to spreading joy and positive energy around town. Bennett saw a chance to take a classic villain and turn it into a source of terrifying delight for anyone who happens to pass by.
His dedication to spreading the spirit of Halloween is not just a quick weekend affair or event; it takes an entire month of solid commitment. For Bennett, this tradition is not merely a seasonal pastime; it’s a way to create lasting memories in the members of our community.
“My favorite part is meeting lots of people in the community and seeing the joy that lots of kids have with this,” Bennett said.
Bennett’s portrayal of Myers evokes a range of responses from locals, making his hourly strolls through Eagle Drive and Perry Avenue a constant thrill for both him and the spectator. For some, encountering Bennett in costume is an adrenaline-charged experience, while others view him as the classic slasher from the movies.
“We get a lot of people who are scared, timid, but we also get a lot of people who love it and are excited to see me,” Bennett said. “All kinds of reactions.”
As Mont Belvieu continues to embrace the fascinating tradition of Myers roaming the streets, Bennett remains committed to his goal: to bring joy to the members of the community, and to ensure that everyone feels a little fright this spooky season!
