Greetings, Portage! Are you ready to get into the Halloween spirit again this year? Enter your Halloween-themed house in our Tricked Out Home 4 Halloween Decorating Contest.
To enter, Portage residents (49002, 49024) must upload a photo(s) of their “tricked out home” along with their address on the Facebook post or, email their photo(s) and entry to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Each house that enters will be added to the interactive map so that everyone can experience the HORROR of the season.
YOU will be the judge this year and vote for the first, second, and third-place winners from Friday, October 25, at 12:01 AM to Monday, October 27, at 11:59 PM. Only one vote per household (IP address).
Prizes Include:
- First Place: $100 Trove Gift Card
- Second Place: $75 The Pantry Gift Card
- Third Place: $50 Chocolate Tea Gift Card
- *NEW* Judges' Choice: $50 Taste of Heaven Gift Card (Open to all participants and will be selected by a top-secret judge in the community. Whether your house places in the top three or not, you still have a chance to win!)
All prize winners will be announced on Facebook on Wednesday, October 29. Winners will be awarded a special certificate and prize, in person, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Portage City Council Meeting at 6 PM.
Remember:
- You must live in the 49002 or 49024 zip codes to participate
- The entry deadline is Wednesday, October 22, at 11:59 PM EST
- Addresses must be included in the submission (Facebook or email)
- You must be the homeowner or live at the address to enter
- You must be 18 years or older to enter
- Only one entry per address
- You must have access to a valid Facebook account or email to participate
- No cash prizes will be awarded. The award certificate holds no cash value.
- No professional displays or hired decorators allowed
Tips to Make Halloween Decor Less Scary for Wildlife:
- Fake webs can trap animals. Birds caught in them can damage their wings and claws.
- Chipmunks and other low-to-the-ground rodents can also get caught and damage their paws.
- Halloween lights and other items that dangle can also pose problems for wildlife. Deer can get holiday lights, netting, clothing, and other materials stuck in their antlers.
- Be aware of animals' paths in your yard and avoid placing decorations there.
- Pumpkins and other food items should be disposed of promptly because they entice animals to come closer to your home than they normally would, putting them in contact with pets and increasing the risk of getting hit by a car.
- Don’t leave decorations up for an extended period.
- If you observe an animal in trouble, always call a wildlife center before intervening.