Tour Clifford’s haunted houses Oct. 26 to 31

CLIFFORD – The creatures of Clifford are back and this year, they have been given entire houses to haunt.

Clifford Connects is inviting residents to transform their homes for the community’s annual Halloween decorating contest. 

Running Oct. 26 to 31, the family-friendly celebration will showcase local creativity, encourage neighbours to explore the village and bring even more Halloween spirit to Clifford, officials state in a press release. 

Now in its third year, the contest introduces new judged categories and an expanded People’s Choice competition. 

Residents can participate by decorating their own homes, nominating a neighbour’s display or voting for their favourites. 

There will be $500 in prizes.

Registration is currently available on cliffordconnects.ca/Halloween-Decorating-Competition.

“This event gives neighbours a fun reason to get creative, explore the village and enjoy the spooky season together,” stated volunteer contest coordinator Alicia Becker in the release. 

“It is also a wonderful way to showcase the community spirit that makes Clifford such a special place.” 

Clifford residents can enter their own decorated homes in one or more of four judged categories:

– Best Family-Friendly Fright; 

– Best Storytelling; 

– Best Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Décor; and 

– Best Lighting and Effects. 

Registration closes Oct. 25. 

A panel of local judges will visit registered properties Oct. 29 and 30. 

Residents can also nominate an impressive Halloween display in their neighbourhood for the People’s Choice competition. One nominator will have the chance to win a pizza party.

Nominated homeowners will be entered to win a $25 Think Minto First gift card through a random draw. 

Three $50 People’s Choice prizes will also be awarded to the displays receiving the most community votes.

And members of the public can tour participating displays and vote for their favourites from Oct. 26 to 29. 

Voting information and a QR code will be displayed on lawn signs at participating homes and can be found on the Clifford Connects website. 

Voters will be entered in a draw to win a $25 Think Minto First Gift Card.

Contest winners will be announced by noon on  Oct. 31 on the Clifford Connects Facebook page. 

Winners will also be contacted directly by email.

Winning homes will be marked with special lawn signs in time for Halloween night, allowing trick-or-treaters and their families to spot the award-winning displays as they make their way through the village. 

Photographs of the winning properties will be shared on the Clifford Connects Facebook page following the announcement.

To register a home, nominate a neighbour or learn more, visit clifffordconnects.ca or look for Clifford Connects on Facebook.