ONEIDA — Oneida’s third annual Halloween Light Fight is under way and organizers are on the prowl for the spookiest house on the block.

“We originally started the Light Fight as something to do during COVID-19,” said Ward 3 Councilor Rick Rossi, who founded the event with his wife, Nicole. “There were plenty of other house decorating contests around, we just piggy-backed off that, and it’s now grown over the years.”

This year, the Rossis have partnered with the Oneida Parks and Recreation Department and the Oneida Public Library to help organize the event. Local elementary schools are back on board as judges.

Rossi said coloring pages are sent out to the area elementary schools, and those that participate are entered into a random drawing.

The Halloween and Christmas Light Fights are now an event that’s looked forward to every year, according to the Rossis.

“Every year, we get people asking if we’re having the Light Fight again,” Nicole said. “Even two months back, we had people commenting in the Oneida for Change Facebook Group asking if we were having it. It’s something the community looks forward to that’s accessible to everyone.”

“It doesn’t matter if you have an apartment or a house; as long as you’re a resident of Oneida, you’re welcome to join,” she added.

Rick said there are plenty of houses already done up, and he’s seen some strong potential entries this year. “People are out in full force decorating this year,” he said.

Judging will take place on Sunday, Oct. 30. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. All entries should be emailed to OneidaLightFight@gmail.com and include the applicant’s name and address.

New to this year’s Halloween Light Fight is that the winner has the choice to participate as a judge in next year’s Light Fight or to see their display as last year’s winner. This is to ensure there’s a different winner each year.