AGAWAM – For some people, Fall is a time for pumpkin spice and dressing nice (and warm), whereas for others, it's a time to celebrate the beautiful, yet “spooky” season of Halloween. To spark some friendly competition for those who enjoy decorating their homes and yards this time of year, The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) Agawam Junior Women’s Club (AJWC) will host their second “Fabulous Fall Decorating Contest.”

The GFWC is an international organization that is dedicated to volunteering within clubs, communities, and internationally. According to Donna Shibley, president of the AJWC, GFWC has about 80,000 members nationwide. “We are one of the largest volunteer nonprofit organizations,” she said.

Shibley explained that their club has been in existence for 63 years. As a group, they volunteer in town for kids, seniors, the environment or any aspect that someone may be interested in.

To participate in the Fabulous Fall Decorating Contest, you must be a resident of Agawam/Feeding Hills or have a business within town. In an effort to keep everyone safe, decorations are asked to be placed outside, for drive-by viewing only. Shibley said that some decoration ideas for entry may be best door decoration, spookiest Halloween theme, best porch decoration, most unique fall decorations, best use of color, best use of pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, etc.

Registration for entry is now open and will stay open until Oct. 9. Entrants are required to leave their decor up until Oct. 23. There is a $10 entrance fee, which is a donation to the AJWC for each residential or commercial property entry. In order for the contest to run, there must be at least 10 participants.

Shibley, along with other AJWC members will be judging and picking the best overall. The winner will receive a $100 cash prize and publicity through their social media pages, such as Facebook. In addition, a town favorite will be selected based on residents' votes. In order to vote, a $5 fee/donation must be paid as well. Once all submissions are in and the houses are listed, voting will begin. Shibley said the town's favorite prize is to be determined, however, the winner will also receive publicity.

She added last year's decorating contest was a success because they were able to get their name out to the public. They awarded winners with additional prizes such as gift cards to Old Navy. This year, they are thinking of doing something similar and are hoping for even more participants.

All of the funds that are raised through this contest will go towards the AJWC. “It goes towards our basic funds for holiday basket programs and people who need help,” stated Shibley.

Following the contest, the AJWC will soon prepare for their holiday/Christmas decorating contest. Shibley claimed this is always a popular contest and is something she and residents look forward to.

“[It’s] a little fundraiser [because] we haven’t been able to meet in person,” she said. “It raises some money for the club.”

Overall, Shibley said their main goal is to give back to the community in any way possible.

Contest mail in entry forms may be sent to: AJWC P.O. Box 332, Agawam MA, attention Fall Contest - checks payable to AJWC. To call for form pick up, contact Shibley directly at, 519-1845 or agawamjwc@gmail.com.

Votes for town favorites can be made from the entry date until Oct. 19. The fee to vote can be sent to AJWC via Venmo - GFWCAgawamJunior-WomensClub or by filling out the form found on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/AgawamJuniorWomensClub/.

Winners will be announced on Facebook by Oct. 23 and prizes will then be awarded.