Pumpkin Carving Contests Aplenty This Month

Full of cooler temperatures and falling leaves, October is often known for a change in seasons.

For many, though, October stands for one thing: Halloween.

Before the final day of the month that garners costume wearing and candy-fetching comes the process of finding that perfect pumpkin, and even more importantly, decorating it with precise detail and ghoulishness.

Now Long Valley residents have the chance to put their creations on display, as the Long Valley Village Association hosts its annual Jack O’ Lantern contest and will award the best in show.

The contest is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Long Valley Green Market. Participants can drop off their painted or carved pumpkins anytime after 2 p.m. that day, and organizers will tag and put your creation on display.

Judges will analyze the works of art and name winners at 6:30 p.m. Costumes are welcome and market vendors will have specials on their goods that day.

More Carving Across Town

Next Friday Oct. 26 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 27 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chester is offering a slew of spooky fun as part of their Second Annual Halloween Workshop.

This year the Workshop features the Great Pumpkin Carve Out, co-sponsored by the Morris County Arts Workshop and Chester Recreation.   

On Friday night local artists are invited to show off their talent by carving pumpkins. Residents can take part in the event by bringing already carved pumpkin for display and judging or take a eerie walk through the illuminated pumpkins. The pumpkins will be lit and displayed both on Friday and Saturday in the spooky pole garden. 

Next door at the Highlands Barn the Halloween Workshop featuring live music, performances, refreshments, a haunted tour, face painting, professional storyteller and more. 

Admission to the Great Pumpkin Carve Out is free. The Halloween Workshop located in the Highlands Barn is $8 for children, free for adults and children under four.