PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST & DISPLAY

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST & DISPLAY

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll and the Salem Beautification Committee announce the 8th annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest and Display.  The contest is open to all Salem children up to the age of 14 years old.  These decorated pumpkins are placed in a display trailer on the Salem Common for visitors and residents to view during the weeks leading up to Halloween.  Pumpkins are judged in three age categories and participants can win prize money donated by Fiesta Shows.

Mayor Driscoll commented, “This contest and display has been a great way to show how creative our young residents are and showcase their talents to the thousands of tourists who visit Salem in October.”

Beautification Committee Chairperson Lisa Lyons stated, “This is such a fun way to celebrate Halloween and get our young children involved in the community. It is amazing to see how many people visit the display and take pictures of the pumpkins.  Last year we had almost two hundred pumpkins on display.”

The City of Salem’s Beautification Committee will be on hand to receive decorated pumpkins on the Common on Saturday, October 17th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Sunday, October 18th from 10am-12noon.  At noon time on Sunday, Beautification Committee members will judge and announce the winning pumpkins. Guidelines for entries can be found below.

PUMPKIN DECORATING GUIDELINES

ALL SALEM CHILDREN ELIGIBLE:  Pumpkins will be judged in three age categories: 6 years old and under, 7-10 years old and 11 -14 years old. Your pumpkin will be on display for all or our residents and tourists to view during October at the Salem Common.  Below are the contest rules.

Pumpkins can be no larger than 7" wide and 12" tall.

Pumpkins may NOT be carved or hollowed out.

Objects, paper, and materials of any kind may be pinned or glued to pumpkins.  Participants may also draw or paint on their entries.

Entries will be received at the Common on Saturday, October 17th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Sunday, October 18th from 10am-12noon. 

Only one entry per child will be accepted.

Each participant will fill out a registration form and be assigned a number.

Judging will take place on Sunday, October 18th at 12:00noon

The following prizes will be awarded in each category:  1st Place - $25; 2nd Place - $20; 3rd Place $15; 4th Place - $10; and 5th Place - $5.  Prize money has been generously donated by Fiesta Shows.

Pumpkins will be placed on permanent display from noon to 6:00pm daily.

Organizers reserve the right to dispose of any pumpkin that deteriorates before the end of the contest.

If desired, participants may reclaim their pumpkins after Sunday, October 25th. Organizers cannot guarantee the condition of the pumpkin at the time of retrieval.

for more information call 978-745-9595, ext. 5676