A Suffolk legislator has introduced a new plan to keep the Halloween spirit alive while keeping families safe.

County Legislator William Spencer announced his "Lawn & House Halloween Decorating Contest" at Mill Pond House in Centerport.

Spencer says it's a safe and fun activity for the whole family as an alternative to traditional trick or treating.

"What I would like to have families do is get together, go out and decorate their homes and then once we have the winners, we will place those great houses on a map," says Spencer.

The map will then be sent out to families, so they can go on a Halloween tour.

The deadline to enter the contest is Oct. 23, the winners will be announced on Oct. 28