The Troy Public Library is gearing up for what is expected to be an extremely popular and highly, but friendly, competition.

Teresa Colvin, TPL children and youth director, said kids up to age 18 are invited to “Create Your Own Superhero” and participate in the costume contest at the library on June 18.

“For kids who have ever dreamed of being a superhero, this is their chance,” Colvin said. “It’s time for them to put their visions to work and be that superhero.”

The “Create Your Own Superhero” costume contest will allow kids to show their creativity, win prizes and be declared the most “awesome” superhero in Troy or Pike County, Colvin said.

“For the contest, we are looking for creativity, boldness and something you don’t see every day,” Colvin said. “We don’t recommend dressing as a superhero that already exists. We want the kids to stretch their imaginations and come up with ideas that, not even those who create superheroes for the comic books or television, have thought of.

“The contest is almost two weeks away and that’s plenty of time to think up an idea for a superhero and then put together a costume to enter in the contest.”

There are no strict requirements as to what constitutes a superhero but Colvin did make a few suggestions.

“Come up with a super-clever superhero title,” she said. “Keep the costume family friendly and, most of all, original.”

Each contestant is asked to write a short story about their superhero.

“Of course, parents will have to write the story for the younger children but the older kids should write their own,” Colvin said. “We want the kids to have fun with this. Tell us what super powers their superhero has and how they got those powers. Just have fun.”

For those who do not write a story prior to coming to the contest, there will be simple guild forms available at the library.

There will be winners in three age categories. Each winner will receive $50.

Pre-registration is not required. Just come and have a super good time, Colvin said.

The “Create Your Own Superhero” contest will be at 6 p.m. June 18 at the Troy Public Library.