October is here, which means Halloween is right around the corner. And so is the Town Crier’s annual spooky stories contest.

We’re offering storytellers of all ages the opportunity to weave a Halloween-themed story in under 400 words. We are awarding first-, second- and third-place honors to the authors. First-place authors will receive a prize.

Subject matter is wide open. The story doesn’t have to be scary, nor should it be gory or in bad taste.

Send stories by Oct. 20 to Editor Bruce Barton at 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022, or e-mail bruceb@latc.com. Artwork accompanying the story is welcome but optional.

We will run as many stories as we can in our Oct. 26 Halloween edition. So get writing, spook-sayers!