Haunted Homewood is an event that goes on from Oct. 10 to Oct. 20 where Homewood residents decorate their houses and get judged under three categories: scariest, child-friendliness and creativity.

Homewood Communications and Engagement Manager Antonia Steinmiller explained, “The Haunted Halloween Home Decorating contest is a way for Homewood residents to get festive and decorate their home for Halloween! The judging is based on curb appeal.”

On Oct. 27, Steinmiller went around Homewood from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with Mayor Rich Hofeld while looking at the houses that participated in the decorating contest. The winners were announced on Oct. 29  through the Village of Homewood’s Instagram page. There were three winners, one for each category.

For the first category, “Most Creative Theme” the house at 18617 Marshfield Ave took the prize. The second category winner for “Scariest Theme” was the house at 1735 Ridge Road. And last, but not least, the winner of the third category, “Child Friendly Theme” was the house at 19119 Pierce Ave.

This event started about three years ago when Hofeld thought it would be a fun event for the town’s residents to get together during the spooky season.

Steinmiller enthusiastically said, “It was an opportunity for residents to engage with their community and celebrate a spooky holiday!”

There were 28 houses that participated in the decoration competition. The judges were “The Village of Homewood events committee made up of Homewood residents and business owners,” said Steinmiller. There were about three to five people judging the houses.

Steinmiller was excited about the event and was happy that she was able to experience it. “I think it’s a fun contest where people can be expressive and creative with their decorations.”

Haunted Homewood was an exciting event that took place to bring fun horror to the town. During Halloween each house was busy with families taking pictures and giving out candy to the children.