Oct. 2. The annual Cornelius Halloween Decorating Contest is now open to anyone interested in competing for the town’s most spook‑tacular home.

The submission window runs from Oct. 1–14. The contest is limited to exterior decorations, which must be appropriate for children. Participants agree to have one or more photos of their decorated home, along with their address, posted on the Cornelius Parks and Recreation website and social media pages.

All contestants must have their decorations lit from 5:30–9 p.m. Oct. 21–27 for public judging. Online voting will determine the winners, who will be announced Oct. 30 on the town website, social media accounts, and in the November e-newsletter.

As in previous years, the contest features two decorating categories: Spooky & Scary and Fun & Festive.

Read more on the town website.