Participation in the contest last year included nine homes, and Tesar is hoping for more entries this Halloween season. “It does foster a little sense of competition in neighborhoods,” she said.

LIVE@NMU is partnering with the West End Suicide Prevention to host its Art and Word Contest. All forms of art from photography to poetry to quilting are accepted.

The first-place winner will be announced at the annual Halloween festival, which follows the Halloween parade Oct. 26. The winner of the contest also will receive a cash prize and trophy.