Salem Launches Halloween-Themed Coloring Contest

SALEM, MA — Salem residents, young and not-so-young, are invited to take part in a new Halloween-themed coloring contest tied to the city's Salem 400+ celebration.

The Salem Beautification Committee is running the Salem 400+ Luna Coloring Contest, which will accept entries through Oct. 20.

Residents can put their own Halloween spin on Luna — the Witch City's 400+ black cat mascot. The contest is open only to Salem residents and includes four age divisions: ages 5 to 8, 9 to 13, 14 to 18, and 19 and older.

One winner will be chosen in each division by the Salem Beautification Committee.

Winners will be announced on "Black Cat Day" on Oct. 27.

"We wanted to create a fun way for Salem residents of all ages to celebrate Salem 400+ while embracing the Halloween spirit that makes our city so special," said the Salem Beautification Committee. "We're excited to see how our community brings Luna to life."

The official coloring sheet was created by Shannon Fuller, an elementary art teacher in the Malden Public Schools district and a Salem State University alumna. Fuller received an undergraduate degree in Art and Design from Salem State University in 2023 and later earned a Master’s in Art Education from Boston University in 2025.

"I am so excited to be a part of Salem 400+ festivities," Fuller said. "I feel so honored to have been asked to make this coloring sheet for a beautiful city. The city of Salem and SSU alike helped me realize my true potential, and I credit a lot of my success to my home away from home."

Official contest pages can be printed from the city of Salem website or picked up at Salem City Hall, Destination Salem, Salem Public Library, and the Community Life Center.

Participants are asked to color and decorate the official design, choose their age division, complete the entry information, and submit the artwork by the deadline.

Completed entries can be dropped off at the Mayor’s Office at Salem City Hall or sent by mail to Salem City Hall or the Salem Public Library. Each participant may submit one entry.