Calling All Ghoul and Goblin Lovers: Time for Halloween Decorations

Boo!

You!

It's time to throw your mask in the ring and sign up for the Plainfield Park District's fourth annual Halloween decorating contest.

I called Marianne Ryan, our friendly park district PR lady, because I am itching to get the addresses so I can take pictures of the dressed-up homes for About Town.

But there's a thump in the dark.

Entries are not coming in like they have in other years, Marianne tells me. The district needs to have a dozen or so homes to judge and so far only two or three have registered.

This is scary, Marianne said. In previous years, there were so many elaborate displays that the judges decided this year to come up with new rules to level the haunting field.

"People have been decorating for Halloween like they do for Christmas," she said.

Per the new rules, Halloween decorators no longer can expect judges to traipse through tents, garages, tunnels or back yards in order to appreciate creepy décor.

"If we can't see it from the sidewalk, it won't get judged," Marianne said.

Until the park district gets another 10 or so entries, I can't start my Halloween haunt hunt.

So haul out your mummies, your tombstones and your spider webs while the weather's still warm. Then call the park district at 815-436-8812 and sign your name in blood. There are two categories: one for family-friendly displays and the other for those who want to be ultra-eerie.

Go ahead -- I dare you -- get your head in the game.