Much like the ghosts and ghouls reminiscent of the season, the Mystery Mansion Mayhem contest, sponsored by State Farm agent Rene Chavez, will rise again this fall. 

Starting Oct. 1, the haunting is on. The contest gives locals a full month to vote for their favorite decorated — and registered — Halloween houses, with the winners announced Nov. 2.  The contest is open to residents who register their home for the tour by September 27. 

There will be three awards given: Sponsor’s Choice, InMaricopa.com’s Choice and People’s Choice. 

Chavez said his family’s love of Halloween makes sponsoring the event a natural fit.  

“We love seeing our community come together, having fun and getting to know our neighbors,” he said. “We love the fun scares, but we have also seen real-life homeowners’ and renters’ nightmares.” 

InMaricopa’s fulfillment and events manager, Erika Paramo, said this is her first time facilitating the Mystery Mansion Mayhem contest and she couldn’t be more excited. 

“When I saw an ad to work at InMaricopa, I specifically told the owner that I am obsessed with their contests,” Paramo said. “I told him, ‘Please give me the Halloween and Christmas contests when you hire me.’” 

Paramo’s goal this year is to double last year’s turnout of 39 houses on the tour. She also aims for the tour to be more walkable. 

But for those who don’t want to walk, InMaricopa is partnering with shuttle service RIDE 347 to provide residents with a ride for the entirety of the tour.   

“You don’t have to drive. You can just drink, eat and chat while you look at houses,” Paramo said. 

Click here for contest rules and here to register your home.

Awards: 

Sponsor’s Choice: $300 cash and other prizes  

InMaricopa.com’s Choice: $250 cash and other prizes  

People’s Choice: $100 cash and other prizes   

This story was first published in the September magazine.