Thursday October 15th: Rome Goes All Out for Halloween

Halloween is getting a little more competitive in Rome this year, as the city invites residents to show off their spooky creativity in a brand new decorating contest.

From glowing jack-o'-lanterns and creepy skeletons to cobweb-covered porches and elaborate light displays, homeowners across the city have a chance to turn their yards into Halloween attractions.

The citywide Halloween residential outdoor decorating contest is being organized by Rome Clean and Green in partnership with the Rome Common Council.

And while bragging rights are certainly part of the fun, there are prizes up for grabs too.

Winners will receive a $25 gift card to a local business, a framed certificate, and a special Rome Clean and Green yard sign recognizing their Halloween decorating efforts.

Here's how the competition will work.

Each of Rome's seven city councilors will select one outstanding Halloween display from their respective wards.

From those selections, Common Council President John Nash will choose an overall citywide winner.

Judging is scheduled to take place from October 15th through October 21st, with the winners announced during the Common Council meeting on October 28th.

And here's something that might appeal to residents who have their own unique Halloween style.

There are no specific decorating themes or requirements.

Whether you prefer colorful lights, traditional pumpkins, spooky graveyards, or frightening skeletons, the contest is designed to encourage creativity.

Bobby O'Brien, interim president of Rome Clean and Green, says the event is about much more than Halloween decorations.

It's an opportunity to strengthen neighborhood connections, encourage a little friendly competition, and bring some positive energy into the community.

O'Brien believes Rome residents already have a reputation for going above and beyond when it comes to decorating, and this contest gives them another reason to get creative.

But the Halloween competition is also part of a bigger plan.

Rome Clean and Green hopes to use the event as a starting point for bringing back its Neighborhood Beautification Awards in the spring.

Those awards would recognize residents who take pride in maintaining and improving the appearance of their properties and neighborhoods.

For now, though, the focus is on Halloween.

So if you live in Rome and have been waiting for an excuse to go all out with your outdoor decorations, this might be your moment.

Whether your display is spooky, spectacular, or somewhere in between, your creativity could earn recognition from the city.

And who knows? Your home might just become one of Rome's Halloween highlights this year.

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