- The state Department of Agriculture is hosting a pumpkin-carving contest
- There are two categories, painted and carved
- Winners will be announced Oct. 31
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s time to go big or gourd home — there’s less than a week left to enter the state Department of Agriculture’s pumpkin-carving contest.
"Fall is not complete without a visit to a Pennsylvania pumpkin patch," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding in a news release. "Enjoy a day with friends or family, then take home a pumpkin to paint or carve.
“Whatever your age or skill level — show us what you can do with a little creativity and the fruits of our farmers' harvest."
The agency’s “PA Pumpkin Palooza: Where Gourds Go Glam” contest has been extended to Oct. 23. There are two categories, carved and painted, with three age groups, Child, for those 11 and under, Youth, for ages 12 to 17, and Adult, 18 and older.
A panel of gourd-loving expert judges will pick winners, with an announcement slated for Oct. 31.Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture news release
“A panel of gourd-loving expert judges will pick winners,” with an announcement slated for Oct. 31, officials said. Winners will receive a PA Preferred swag bag.
To be eligible, participants must be a legal resident of the commonwealth; not an employee, family member or person living in the same household as an employee of the state Department of Agriculture; and give the state permission to use photos of the pumpkin submission, according to the agency’s website.
Contestants should email their submission, including their name, age, county, email address and phone number, as well as a photo of the pumpkin and the name of the farm where it came from, with the subject "PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry,” to agcontests@pa.gov.
