September 21, 2026
Haunt the Town | Halloween Decoration Contest
Date: Sept. 21 - October 16
Location: All areas/neighborhoods in Gypsum, CO
Dare to Decorate? Show Us Your Haunted Best!
It’s time to dust off your cobwebs, fire up the fog machine, and get your home or business ready for the spookiest showdown in town! Whether you lean toward creepy classics, magical mayhem, or a pumpkin lover’s dream — we want to see your Halloween & Fall spirit come to life!
*Open to all homes & businesses within Gypsum town limits.
Important dates
- Entry Period: September 21st - October 16th
- Judging Period: October 19th–23rd
- Winner Announced: Week of October 26th
Spooktacular Prizes
- 1st Place: $150 Costco Gift Card
- Winner receives: A festive yard sign to show off your eerie excellence!
Judging Criteria
- Submissions Due: October 16th @3pm
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Visual Impact
- First impressions matter! Does your display stop people in their tracks? We're looking for bold visuals, great use of space, and that WOW factor that draws the eye.
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Overall Halloween or Fall Spirit
- Does the display capture the fun, spooky, or festive spirit of Halloween? Would it make trick-or-treaters excited to visit?
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Creativity & Originality
- We want to see YOUR unique spin on Halloween. Use unexpected materials, mix in handmade elements, or reimagine classic concepts. Stand out from the (zombie) crowd!
Contest Rules:
- Contest is free to enter.
- Entries and nominations must be homes/businesses within the Gypsum Town limits.
- Entries must include a valid and complete (address number and street) Gypsum address & photo to be eligible for the contest.
- Entries must be received by October 16th @ 3 pm to be eligible for voting.
- Homes/businesses are limited to winning once every three (3) years.
- Winners will be contacted by Town staff the week of October 26th.
Need Some Ghoulish Inspiration?
Choose Your Frightening Flair
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Classic Horror
Gothic castles, creepy cemeteries, lurking vampires, and fog-covered zombies — bring old-school scares to life.
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Witch’s Hollow
From spellbound cauldrons to twinkling broomsticks, turn your home into an enchanted forest of witchcraft and wonder. -
Monster Mash
Throw a party for all your favorite creatures of the night — Frankenstein, mummies, werewolves, and more. Bonus points for groovy monster vibes! -
Graveyard Shift
Erect eerie tombstones, skeletal visitors, and moaning spirits for a bone-chilling cemetery scene no one will forget. -
Pumpkin Paradise
Go all in on autumn charm with jack-o’-lanterns, glowing gourds, and a warm, festive harvest feel.
Ready to Enter?
Submit your spooky setup by October 16th for a chance to win fang-tastic prizes and eternal Halloween glory!
Let’s make Gypsum the most haunted place on the map this Halloween!
