Hays County employees decorate offices for Halloween

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

HAYS COUNTY – This year, 13 offices around Hays County competed in a Halloween decorating contest organized by Hays County Communications Manager Kim Hilsenbeck. Hays County employees worked together to transform their workspaces into a spooky display to win in three categories; Scariest, Most Creative and Best Overall.

Participating offices in the Hays County Government Center included Countywide Operations, the Auditor’s Office, HR Office, Treasurer’s Office, Elections Office, IT Office, Justice of the Peace 1-1 & 1-2, District Clerk’s Office and County Clerk’s Office.

At the Hays County Public Safety Building, the HR Office and Office of Emergency Services participated. The Hays County Juvenile Detention Center and Developmental services also brought their spooky displays for Halloween.

The three judges for the event comprised of: Trisha Randow from the Hays County Historical Commission, Melissa Jewett Publisher of San Marcos Corridor News, and Lee Ikels President of the Child Protection Board.

The three winners were Countywide Operations for Scariest, the Auditor’s Office for Best Overall, and the Justice of the Peace 1-1 & 1-2 for most creative.

The Countywide Operations Office decorated their lobby in a supernatural theme, with skeletons, tarot cards, potions and frightening details scattered throughout the space. Walking in, the judges felt immersed in the spooky atmosphere, their staff fully in character.

The Auditors Office, winning the prize of Best Overall, transformed their lobby into the movie Beetlejuice. Each employee dressed up as a character from the classic film, and no details were spared in transporting the judges into the movie scenes!

The Justice of the Peace 1-1 & 1-2 Office took home the Most Creative title by making their office a tribute to Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Employees wore costumes and beautiful face makeup and stood around an altar honoring their lost loved ones. Ornate paper flowers covered the walls, and bright yellow marigold flowers were seen throughout the room.

San Marcos Corridor News gave the winning office’s gift cards to use for their staff to commend the efforts, creativity, and dedication put into their decorating and thank them for their hard work in Hays County. 

Overall, employees expressed that they had fun working together and competing with their county coworkers. Hays County will have a Tree and Wreath decorating contest for Christmas to encourage staff to enjoy the holiday season.