The City of Port St. Lucie has kicks off the Spooktacular House & Yard Decorating Contest today and is inviting all local Halloween enthusiasts to showcase their spooky skills. Whether you’re a fan of eerie haunted houses, lighthearted ghost displays, or fun, kid-friendly decorations, this contest could be a great way to have fun and show off your talents.
How to Participate: Four Steps
- Enter the Contest: Think you’ve got the best Halloween display? Create a spooktacular residential outdoor setup and enter the contest between October 1st and October 29th. It’s free to join!
- Take the Halloween Tour: There will soon be a Port St. Lucie Spooktacular Halloween Tour Map that will feature all contestant displays. Residents can enjoy a tour across the city, complete with photos to help guide them to the most eye-catching decorations.
- Vote for Your Favorite: Public voting runs from October 30th to November 3rd. Head online and vote for the Halloween display you find the most spectacular (or terrifying). You get one vote per IP address to keep it fair.
- Follow the Action: Keep up with contestants and neighbors on social media using the hashtag #SpookyPSL. It’s a great way to see sneak peeks, tour updates, and exciting announcements from the City.
Contest Rules
Participants must be 18 years or older and live within the Port St. Lucie city limits. If you’re not sure if that is you, check the Property Appraiser’s website. Registration is free and entries must be submitted by October 29th at midnight. Halloween displays should be visible from the road and lit from dusk to 10 PM, especially during judging.
Decorations must be kept to a PG-13 rating with no extreme gore or vulgarity; keep it family-friendly! Entries are limited to winning only two years in a row, ensuring others have a chance to shine as the event reoccurs. By entering, participants also grant permission for their decorated homes to be photographed and displayed by the City.
The City reserves the right to disqualify any entry that doesn’t follow these guidelines, and the City’s liability is limited according to Florida law. Note: participation is subject to local, state, and federal regulations.
Categories & Prizes
The contest features four fun categories:
- Classic Halloween: The traditional scares we all know and love.
- Cute n’ Creepy: Kid-friendly and charmingly spooky.
- Spine Chilling: The displays that will give goosebumps.
- Haunting Light Show: Displays using drones, projections, LEDs, and creative lighting.
The display with the most votes in each category wins a $100 gift card and a special award. Winners will be announced on November 5th on the City’s website and social media. They’ll also be recognized at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Halloween Safety Tips for All
Here are a few pieces of advice that the City of Port St. Lucie includes in their event for you to keep in mind.
- Stick Together: Always trick-or-treat in groups, and have an adult supervise young children.
- Stay Visible: Carry flashlights, use glow sticks, or add reflective tape to costumes for better visibility.
- Choose Safe Costumes: Avoid masks that block vision; use face paint instead.
- Walk, Don’t Run: Use sidewalks where possible, cross streets at corners, and look both ways.
- Check Treats: Inspect all candy for unwrapped or suspicious items before allowing children to eat them.
- Plan a Route: Choose a familiar route with good lighting to avoid getting lost.
Port St. Lucie’s Spooktacular House & Yard Decorating Contest is back and ready to make this Halloween the most thrilling one yet. Get decorating, get involved, and get ready for some fantastic contestants!
