There's the election, the economy, the pandemic, and, last but not least, winter.
Don't you think we need a Star Tribune Halloween Pet Costume Contest? Even in a nation riven with political differences, we can all get a laugh seeing a cat dressed up as Abraham Lincoln or a Great Pyrenees costumed as the "Dog-wager Countess of Grantham."
And if social distancing means no trick-or-treating, haunted houses or Halloween parties this year, what else do you have to do but sew a mermaid costume for your guinea pig?
As in past years, we're hoping to see costumes that range from scary to Minnesota-themed to inspired by pop culture and current events.
You can enter multiple pets, multiple costumes and send multiple photos — as long as it's your pet wearing the costume and your photograph. (For best results, try shooting your costumed pet with a neutral background. No Photoshopping.)
Our panel of judges will award prizes for first, second and third place, plus best in show. There will also be a people's choice award for the top vote-getter in online public voting.
By entering a photograph, you give the Star Tribune the right to publish it on any of our platforms in perpetuity.
Here's how to enter:
