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PARSIPPANY — Trick-or-treating is less than a month away and that means it’s time for Parsippany Focus’ Halloween story contest for young writers.

Here’s how it works: The contest is open to students throughout Parsippany in kindergarten through grade 12. Young authors will provide their own original halloween story. Students are encouraged to include an illustration for their stories.

A team of Focus editors will select the winners. Winning writers will receive a $25.00 gift card, have their stories printed in Parsippany Focus on October 31 and have the chance to read their story for a video on parsippanyfocus.com and receive a lunch for you the winner and his/her parents at a local Parsippany restaurant.

Teachers are encouraged to use the contest as a class writing assignment. Be sure to include your contact information (email and phone number) so we can notify winners.

The deadline for submissions in 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23.

All stories must be submitted typed with photos attached including name, email address and phone number and sent to news@parsippanyfocus.com. Include “Halloween Story” in the subject line.

Halloween contest official rules

1. The contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

2. All entries must be the original work of the student and no longer than 300 words.

4. Students are encouraged to submit illustrations with their stories. While the artwork will not be judged, some drawings will appear in an online gallery. Illustrations should be submitted on a separate piece of paper.

5. All entries and pictures should include the student’s name, age, school and grade.

6. Deadline for entries is 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23.

7. All stories must be submitted typed with photos attached including Name, email address and phone number and sent to news@parsippanyfocus.com. Include“Halloween Story” in the subject line. If drawing can’t be attached they can be mailed separately to Parsippany Focus, Post Office Box 6245, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

8. Stories or artwork cannot be returned.

9. Winners will be selected at the sole discretion of the Parsippany Focus staff.