The City of Niagara Falls is bringing back the Spooky Awards, its annual outdoor Halloween decorating competition. This free event invites residents to transform their homes and businesses into eerie Halloween spectacles for a chance to win prizes and earn neighborhood recognition. In 2023, over 50 properties participated, and 2024 promises even more thrilling displays!
Categories and Prizes
Participants will compete in three categories:
- Judges’ Favourite
- Best Effects
- People’s Choice
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category include:
- 1st Place: A Spooky Trophy, a commemorative lawn sign, and a $100 gift card of your choice.
- 2nd Place: A commemorative lawn sign and a $75 gift card.
- 3rd Place: A commemorative lawn sign and a $50 gift card.
In total, nine awards will be presented, ensuring plenty of opportunities for participants to be recognized for their creativity!
Key Dates
- Registration: Open from October 1 to October 21. Register your property for free by visiting niagarafalls.ca/spooky.
- Voting and Judging: From October 25 to October 27, between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., residents can vote for their favorite displays in the People’s Choice category.
Assessment Criteria
Each display will be assessed on the following criteria, ensuring a fair and comprehensive judging process:
- Originality (20 points) – How unique and creative is the display?
- Overall Theme (20 points) – Does the display follow a consistent and captivating Halloween theme?
- Creative Use of Lights and Special Effects (20 points) – How effectively are lighting and other effects used to enhance the atmosphere?
- Detail and Placement of Decorations (20 points) – Are the decorations thoughtfully arranged and detailed?
- Overall Presentation (20 points) – How well does the display come together as a complete experience?
Displays will be judged both by official judges and the public, with all assessments conducted curbside to ensure safety and fairness.
How to Participate
- Create Your Spooky Display: Design an outdoor Halloween display at your home or business that captures the Halloween spirit.
- Register Your Property: Sign up for free at niagarafalls.ca/spooky between October 1 and 21.
- Explore with the Spooky Map: After registration closes, use the online Spooky Map to tour all participating properties. The map will be available at niagarafalls.ca/spooky.
- Vote in the People’s Choice Awards: From October 25 to 27, between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., cast your vote for your favorite spooky display online.
- Join the Fun on Facebook: Competitors will share sneak peeks and campaign for votes on the event’s Facebook page, where you can stay updated on the latest entries.
Winner Announcements
Winners will be announced on October 31 at niagarafalls.ca/spooky, just in time for Halloween night. Use the Spooky Map to visit the winning displays while trick-or-treating and enjoy the best-decorated homes Niagara Falls has to offer.
For full competition rules, judging criteria, and participation details, visit niagarafalls.ca/spooky.
Get ready for a spooky, fun-filled October and show off your Halloween creativity!
So, whether you’re an experienced decorator or simply a lover of all things Halloween, the Niagara Falls Spooky Awards promise a spook-tacular experience. For more details on this thrilling program, don’t hesitate to reach out to Recreation & Culture at 905-356-7521 ext. 3345 during regular business hours.
https://niagarafalls.ca/events/annual-events/spooky-awards.aspx