The Great Pumpkin Walk Coming to Salem….and we want YOU to be a part of it, said Chris Bundy.
Washington County Tourism is sponsoring a pumpkin walk and pumpkin carving contest slated for October 28th and 29th.
Participants can win cash prizes in several categories for their pumpkin creativity and the public will be able to enjoy the efforts of participants by viewing their creations along the community walking trail beginning at the Salem Middle School and ending at the YMCA.
Participants may supply their own pumpkins or pick up a free pumpkin, courtesy of Stumler’s and Cornucopia Farm, to at the YMCA parking lot on Wednesday, October 27th between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Finished pumpkins should be taken to the YMCA parking lot on October 28th for contest entry between the hours of noon to 5 p.m.
The finished creations will be placed along the community walking path in time for them to be viewed from dusk to 10 p.m.
Lights for the pumpkins will be supplied by the tourism commission.
The pumpkins will again be lit on October 29th from dusk until 9:30 p.m.
Anyone wishing to claim their pumpkin should do so at the end of the pumpkin walk between 9:30 to 10 p.m. on the 29th.
After 10 p.m. and until 10:30 p.m., remaining unclaimed pumpkins will be available to anyone wishing to take one home for Halloween display.
Unclaimed pumpkins will be disposed of after that time.
Categories include adult, high school, middle school, grades K-2 and grades 3-5.
Best pumpkin in the adult category will be awarded $125 with each of the school categories receiving $75 for the best entry.
In addition to enjoying viewing the pumpkins during the walk, children will also be able to claim candy along the way as well as participate in various craft stations.
Further Information…
…When pumpkins are turned in, each will receive a number and category listing so each will be anonymous for judging purposes. Judges are from out of town.
…Pumpkins may be carved, painted, have additional pieces added (such as hats, glasses, hair, etc.). The pumpkins will be displayed after dark, so pumpkins that can be lit are encouraged.
…For the elementary category parents are certainly encouraged to supervise their children’s execution of their design, but please let the child be the one coming up with the creativity.
…Multiple entries may be made. Free pumpkins are limited to one per family member, but entrants may supply their own multiple pumpkins if desired.
…Pumpkins deemed offensive (yes, there are such things as inappropriate carvings) will be eliminated.
…Be sure to leave an opening either on top or in the back for the lights which will be provided each evening by The Tourism Commission.
…Be creative and have fun! We hope to see your entire family at the event!
