The Halloween house decorating contest is giving Lombard neighbors a reason to turn familiar front yards into something delightfully unsettling this fall.

Entries are open now through October 1, leaving homeowners a short window to join the seasonal fun.

For families who spend October watching porches change one pumpkin at a time, the Halloween decorating contest offers a playful payoff.

Participating homes should be decorated by October 12, when the contest begins, and remain that way through October 31.

That full run gives neighbors time to enjoy the displays instead of racing to catch everything on one chilly evening.

From glowing pumpkins to handmade ghosts, Halloween house decorations can make an ordinary trip around the block feel like an adventure.

In Lombard, Illinois, part of the appeal is seeing how each decorated home reflects the personality of the people inside.

The contest is an annual tradition, but the entry deadline is close, so residents considering a display should not put off registration.

We will announce a winner on Monday, November 2. Please email pictures of your house to dscarpiniti@lombardparks.com along with the house address once registered. 

After registering, participants are asked to send pictures of their decorated house along with its address to the contest organizers.

A winner is scheduled to be announced on Monday, November 2, after the decorations have had their Halloween-night moment.

Until then, October 12 through October 31 is the window for keeping displays in place and sharing them with the community.

For homeowners, it is a chance to add a little theater to the front walk while embracing the neighborly spirit that makes local traditions stick.

For everyone else, the best part may be seeing familiar streets through a fresh, slightly spooky lens.

If your house is ready to join the fun, register by October 1, prepare your display by October 12 and keep the Halloween spirit going through month’s end.