Niagara Falls brings back ‘Spooky Awards’ for second year

The city of Niagara Falls has announced it will be bringing back the “Spooky Awards” after last year’s successful inaugural event.

The city’s Halloween-themed decorating competition will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 29, 30 and 31.

Last year’s event saw more than 50 homes enter into the competition with hundreds of colourful inflatables and jack o’lanterns, and dozens of Halloween scenes on display.

Visitors experienced large-scale productions like the haunted corn maze with a Stranger Things theme, an eight-foot slam-dunking skeleton, an animated singing pumpkin show, a pirate ship and the Neitherworld Waiting Room complete with the Ghost with the Most in a tribute to Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice.

“We were thrilled with the enthusiasm on display last year,” said Niagara Falls councilor Chris Dabrowski in a news release. “From the massive display on Thorold Stone Road to the smallest yards packed to the roof tops, the talent in Niagara Falls is awesome. We’re anticipating an even more spectacular year and, personally, I can’t wait to tour the city with my family this Halloween and for many years to come.”

Residents who choose to participate will be vying for first, second and third place awards in the categories of Best Effects, Judges Favourites and People’s Choice.

The deadline to enter the free competition is Oct. 24 at midnight.

All official entries will receive a lawn sign to include in their display and will be featured on the city’s interactive Spooky Map to help everyone plan their visit.

The public can tour the displays—from the sidewalk—and cast their votes beginning at 4 p.m. on Oct. 29.

For a full list of criteria, details on how to enter the competition, and to access the Spooky Map, click here.