We can’t wait for Halloween and we’re starting the season by hosting a literary no-carve pumpkin decorating contest. Kids, middle grade children, teens, and adults are invited to decorate a pumpkin like their favorite book character. It’s easy and fun for the whole family! Participants may bring in a decorated, artificial pumpkin, to the Children’s Room and enter it into our contest October 6 – October 25.

Contest Rules

ABSOLUTELY NO REAL CARVED PUMPKINS! Artificial pumpkins may be painted, hot glued, colored, etc. Real pumpkins will NOT be accepted under any circumstance.

• Pumpkins should represent a favorite book character. On the entry form, you must write the title and author of the book. All designs must be family-friendly.
• This is a home project. Participants should do most of the work themselves, with only some assistance, for fair judging in their respective category.
• Please drop off your pumpkins in the Children’s Room beginning October 6, 2024. The last day to enter is Friday, October 25, 2024.
• Do not write your name anywhere on the pumpkin. When you bring your pumpkin, staff will have you complete an entry form and they will record the information so that each pumpkin can be properly identified.  
• Pumpkins will be judged according to the following categories:

Kids (Age 3-12)
Teens (Age 13-17)
Adults (Age 18+)

• Library staff will be voting during October 26 - October 29. Winners will be announced on the Amherst Town Library's social media on October 30. Winners will be displayed at our table during Trick or Treating.
• All pumpkins will need to be picked up by Sunday, November 3.
• Any remaining pumpkins will be discarded on Monday, November 4.
• Prizes will be awarded for 1st place in each category.