The University of Wisconsin-Stout Halloween window decorating contest is open to all student organizations and the windows can be viewed on the first floor of the library. The library provides the paint, and the Involvement Center supplies the prizes.
Aubrey Huff, undergraduate experience and outreach librarian, works at the University Library. According to Huff, the library has been hosting the Halloween window decorating contest since 2013 in partnership with the Involvement Center.
Everyone is eligible to vote for their favorite window by using the QR codes located on the bottom corner of each window. Formal judging will take place on Oct. 29 at 11:30 a.m.
This year, there are several Stout celebrity judges including: Chancellor Catherine Frank; interim library director Kate Kramschuster, interim executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion Dominique Vargas; and a final mystery judge from the Involvement Center. They will judge each window for 1st place and scariest theme.
Prizes this year include:
· 1st place: Pizza party for the winning organization
· Most campus votes: Vinyl banner for the organization designed by the MSC Design Team
· Scariest theme: Vinyl banner for the organization designed by the MSC Design Team
“Each student organization designs their window, and every year we see something new and incredibly creative. We did not host the contest in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s a joy to see our windows becoming festive once again!” said Huff.
Huff said one of their biggest goals during the contest, aside from seasonal decorating, is inviting student organizations to the library. She said it helps to “remind them that the library is their space and at their disposal.”