October 18, 2025
Pocatello–City Hall is still accepting nominations for the Pocatello’s newest yard decor contest, the city said in a social media post yesterday.
Golden Pumpkin Update! The Golden Pumpkin Award is still taking submissions, and the entries so far are spook-tacular! 
From glowing ghosts to pumpkin-packed porches, Pocatello is showing off its Halloween spirit in the best way possible. 
***Bonus! Friday, we’ll post a map of all the entries so you can plan your haunted house tour around town. Stay tuned… and stay spooky!
Launched this year by the Pocatello Arts Council, the Golden Pumpkin Contest is intended to celebrate “Pocatello’s most creative, spooky, and spectacular Halloween house decorations.” The city’s website has more details:
Do you know a home that goes all out with lights, props, and eerie imagination? Nominate them for one of this year’s awards:
- The Golden Pumpkin Award (Overall Winner)
Recognizing the most creative, eye-catching, and all-around impressive Halloween house in Pocatello. - The Spooktacular Spirit Award
Celebrating the display that best captures the Halloween spirit—fun, festive, and full of community joy. - The Creepiest Curb Appeal Award
Honoring the house that gives everyone goosebumps—chilling, eerie, and beautifully spooky.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on creativity and originality, artistic design and craftsmanship, overall visual impact (day or night), and community spirit.
How to Nominate
- Submit nominations using the Golden Pumpkin Award nomination form.
- Nominations must include the decorated home’s address and a brief explanation of why it deserves recognition.
- Nominations close on October 20, 2025.
- Winners will be announced on October 23, 2025, on the City of Pocatello’s Facebook page.
Let’s make this the start of a Pocatello Halloween tradition that grows bigger and more creative every year.
