MYRANDA TRENTMAN-S HAFFER Staff Writer
For most families, Halloween is a onenight event. For the Hobbs family, it’s a year-round celebration — complete with themes, handmade costumes, and a whole
The Hobbs family of Cuero has made a tradition of decorating for Halloween and sharing their love of the holiday with DeWitt County residents.
Photo by Myranda Trentman-Shaffer lot of heart.
Lieutenant Bethany Hobbs of the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office and her husband, Jeff Hobbs, Constable for Precinct 2, have turned their shared love of Halloween into a full-blown Cuero tradition affectionately known as “Hobbs Halloween.”
Born and raised in Cuero, Bethany’s passion for Halloween started early. “My parents dressed up with me every Halloween until I was fourteen,” she recalls. “Those nights are some of my best memories. I always said if I had kids, I’d carry on that tradition.”
When she and Jeff got engaged in 2007, Bethany made her expectations clear: “We’d go dancing once a month, and if we ever had children, we’d dress up as a family every Halloween.” Jeff agreed — perhaps not realizing just how serious she was.
Their first themed Halloween came in 2013, just six weeks after the birth of their first daughter, Ava Lou. The family went all-in as The Flintstones, complete with extended family playing supporting roles. Eleven years later, the tradition continues stronger than ever with the addition of their youngest daughter, Madelyn Belle, born in 2016.
Bethany admits she starts planning for the next year before the current Halloween even ends. “Jeff laughs every time,” she says. “He’ll tell me, ‘Honey, this year’s Halloween isn’t even here yet!’ But I can’t help it — I just love it.”
The family’s costume decisions have evolved over the years. “The first couple of years, I chose,” Bethany says. “Now, the girls help brainstorm and make the final call.”
Over time, Hobbs Halloween has produced a lineup worthy of Hollywood: Past Themes (2013– 2025):2013 – The Flintstones2014 – 101 Dalmatians2015 – Annie2016 – Forrest Gump2017 – KISS2018 – Hocus Pocus2019 – The Addams Family2020 – A League of Their Own2021 – Beetlejuice2022 – The Goonies2023 – 80’s Horror Films2024 – Johnny Depp Edition2025 – The Villains of Disney Some years have been more memorable than others — like 2021’s Beetlejuice fiasco. “I used a temporary red hair paint on Ava Lou,” Bethany laughs. “It didn’t wash out. Her hair was bright red for four months! We can laugh about it now, but I was panicking then.”
Despite occasional mishaps, Bethany keeps the tradition affordable and creative, relying on thrift stores, garage sales, and her talented mother, who sews many of their pieces. “We only wear them twice — once for photos and once on Halloween night,” she explains.
This year’s theme, The Villains of Disney, might be their most dramatic yet. Ava Lou transforms into Maleficent, Madelyn channels the Evil Queen, Bethany becomes Ursula, and Jeff takes on Jafar. “We wanted something colorful and full of personality,” Bethany says. “The girls loved practicing their villain laughs!”
Each family member has a favorite costume from over the years — Ava Lou chose The Goonies, Madelyn picked Beetlejuice, Jeff favors this year’s Villains of Disney, and Bethany’s heart still belongs to Forrest Gump.
When asked if she hopes her daughters continue the tradition, Bethany doesn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. I hope they carry it on with their own families. And yes,” she adds with a smile, “Jeff and I fully plan to be the coolest grandparents — in costume, of course.”
Photographer: Haggard Honey PhotographyMakeup Artist: Jessica Marie, Licensed Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist-Photo Location: Back side of the Hobbs family property, De-Witt County One thing’s certain — when October rolls around, no one in Cuero does Halloween quite like the Hobbs family.
