Halloween Decorating Contest Becomes A New Howell Tradition

HOWELL, NJ — You can add some community pride to your Halloween festivities by entering the township's second annual Halloween Decorating Contest.

Get in the spirit of the spooky season and festoon the exterior of your home and yard inspired by all things Halloween.

You may just be chosen a winner by the voting committee, which includes township officials and members of the Community Relations department.

"It (the voting) was a lot of fun for council," said Deputy Mayor Evelyn O'Donnell at the last Township Council meeting. She added she hopes residents "get involved too and have a good time."

Fill out an entry form found on the township website and include a photo. Mail, drop off or email this to the township's Director of Community Relations Steven Fecher at sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us.

The deadline to enter is Tuesday, Oct. 17. The voting committee will be touring the entries from Oct. 24 to Oct. 29, Fecher said.

And apart from the fun, it will be a chance to win prizes.

Prizes will be awarded in each of four categories, and include gift cards provided by Certified Auto Mall, Route 9 in Howell.

Here are the categories:

• 1st Place Overall: Trophy and a $100 gift card for winner.
• Creepy Creative: $50 gift card.
• Seriously Scary: $50 gift card.
• Creepin' It Classy (more "harvest" than horror.): $50 gift card.

Fecher said 30 houses participated last year.

"Last year went over well. More houses participated than I expected for the first year," he said.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you plan your decorations:

• Decorations must be visible from the roadway.
• Participants must ensure that all lights, animations, blowups and decorations are in place and in working order by Oct. 17 in order to be judged.
• Contest is for exterior decorations only, including window decorations visible from the outside.

Your address will be listed on the township’s website under Latest Announcements and on Facebook by Oct. 24. The top four winners will be announced after Nov. 1. Participants agree to have photos and address of their decorated exteriors posted on Howell's website, Facebook and/or posted in local media.

For more information, contact Steven Fecher at sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us or 732-938-4500, ext. 2102 or 2106.