First clue...Wednesday, Oct. 17

The days are growing shorter and spookier. There’s mystery in the air and a growing anticipation for the scariest night of all — Halloween.

One of the biggest mysteries in Rutland is the identity of Jack O’Lantern or Mrs. Jack O’Lantern.

Students in Grades K-6 are eligible to follow the clues and guess who this year’s Mrs. Jack O’Lantern is.

When you think you know, write your guess on an entry form or piece of paper and turn it in at your school, or at the Godnick Adult Center office.

Boxes will be picked up at the schools on Thursday, Oct. 25.

Winners will be drawn on Friday, Oct. 26, and will be notified about their prize the following week.

Prizes include ski lift tickets, swimming pool passes, mini-golf and bowling packages, fast food certificates, and gift certificates to restaurants and other area businesses.

Mrs. Jack O’Lantern’s secret identity is revealed after Rutland’s annual Halloween Parade on Oct. 27.

Out lurking in the shadows,

Peering beneath her disguise,

Is the ornery Mrs. Jack O’Lantern -

her smile a guise.

Here is the first of six clues:

I was born in a far off land...

But now Rutland City is my land!