$1,000 prize in second annual Cutest Kid Halloween Photo Contest

It’s that time of year again, where a crisp touch to the air, the vibrant hues of pumpkins, and the promise of costumes and candy delight kids … and the kid in all of us. To ring in this most favorite season, Rodrock Development is excited to announce its second annual Cutest Kid Halloween Photo Contest. But this year, the treat has grown: The grand-prize winner will savor $1,000 in cash.

The contest is a partnership between the Rodrock Development Moms’ Council and The Kansas City Star, an idea designed to extend the celebration of childhood’s favorite holiday.

“The lighthearted contest is one more way the Rodrock Development Moms’ Council seeks to bring people and communities together,” said Brenda Sanders, president of Rodrock & Associates, Realtors. Last year’s inaugural contest had 109 submissions and 950 enthusiastic voters weighing in on their favorite costumed kiddo some 1,200 times.

When all was said and done, the winner was an adorable little miss dressed as a “Disco Duck,” complete with a star-studded duck ensemble, tie-dye leggings, festive beads, frizzy wig, and — of course — a dangling mini disco ball above one gorgeous smile. That most precious of moments garnered one family an easy $500 in cash. This year’s winner has even more to enjoy.

To submit your favorite photo, visit KansasCity.com/contests and click on the Rodrock Development Cutest Kid Contest icon; a link is also provided at Rodrock.com. Photo submissions can be uploaded online from Oct. 20 through Nov. 3. The photo that receives the most online votes, in conjunction with votes from a panel of judges, will earn the $1,000 cash prize. The winner will be announced the week of Nov. 10 in The Kansas City Star, as well as online at KansasCity.com/contests and on Rodrock Development’s website and Facebook page.

“The Cutest Kid Halloween Photo Contest is a natural offshoot of the Rodrock Development Moms’ Council,” Sanders said. “After all, Darol Rodrock, founder and owner of Rodrock Development, personally created the Rodrock Development Moms’ Council decades ago.

“As a former high-school educator and wrestling coach, Darol saw the Moms’ Council concept as a way to help his new neighborhoods get off to a great start,” she said. “Darol’s idea was to encourage community volunteers to help plan year-round community activities where new homeowners could come together, get to know each other and have fun.”

Today, in communities throughout Johnson County, Rodrock Development Moms’ Council hosts events such as annual spring Easter egg hunts, summer pool opening parties, July 4 bike-a-thons, and holiday horse-drawn hayrides through illuminated streets. And residents continually rate these events — and the camaraderie that they build — as one of the highlights of living in a Rodrock community. With some 80 new-home communities in his extensive portfolio, it’s clear to see that Rodrock is doing something right.

Rodrock’s motto “Building Better Communities” is more than a slogan, it’s a personal promise that has served as a key impetus behind the 80 successful communities he’s created over the years in Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Shawnee, western Shawnee, and Stilwell.

And part of building better communities includes celebrating life’s favorite moments, such as Halloween. So pull out your most beloved photo of your little witch, pumpkin, super hero, princess and more, and join in the fun. Only one photo may be submitted per household.

“One of the reasons this contest was so successful last year was because it involves kids, and one of the favorite times of the year or holidays for kids is Halloween,” said Jared Webb of The Star. “What child doesn’t enjoy playing dress up? Another reason this contest was so successful was because most parents and grandparents love taking pictures of their kids and sharing those pictures online with others. Consider Facebook: One of the reasons it is popular is because it allows people to easily share pictures, memories and moments with the world. This photo contest is no different, and this year’s prize money is a huge draw.”

Vote daily on your favorite photo and enjoy all the treats of the season with no tricks. Contact Tonya Morton at 816-234-4703 or tmorton@kcstar.com for more information or visit Rodrock.com.

This story was originally published October 18, 2014 at 7:00 PM with the headline "$1,000 prize in second annual Cutest Kid Halloween Photo Contest."