Get Inspired For Halloween Decorating Contest In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — It's still September, but the Halloween spirit is upon us. And Howell Township wants to join in.

Howell's first township-wide Halloween decorating contest is gearing up as a way to enhance community pride - and have some fun, the township says.

"Dig out your Halloween lights, blowups, pumpkins and decorations because the newest Howell tradition is about to start," the township announced.

Howell, at nearly 62 square miles, is the largest in area municipality in Monmouth County, so there is a plan in place to locate and judge the decorations.

An important deadline to remember is Oct. 18. That's when you must have decorations in place and it is the deadline to register for the judging. Judging will take place from Oct. 25 to 30. Winners will be announced Nov. 1.

Residents can check out how to participate at the township's website, but here are some basics the town has explained to start you on your project:

• Any Howell Township resident can participate.
• If you do, your address will be listed on the township’s website under "Latest Announcements" and on Facebook.
• The town will send the voting committee to your address to view the displays you created.
• Deadline to enter: Oct. 18.
• Fill out a form you can locate here on Facebook or on the town website here and email it to Steven Fecher, Director of Community Relations, sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us.

The categories are:

• 1st Place Overall: $100 Gift Card
• Most Creeeeeeepy: $50 Gift Card
• It’s Fall, Y’all: $50 Gift Card
• Best Ex-FEAR-ience: $50 Gift Card

Here are some guidelines for your Halloween creations:

• 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. 18 in order to be judged.
• Contest is for exterior decorations only, including window decorations visible from the outside.

And some more specifics to keep in mind:

• All registration forms must be received by Oct. 18.
• Addresses will be uploaded onto the website and Facebook page on Oct. 25.
• Voting committee will be touring from Oct. 25 to 30.
• Top four winners will be determined by the voting committee and announced on Nov. 1.