Try this: CHStoday’s 2023 pumpkin carving contest

Put your pumpkin carving skills to the test in our contest

Orange sky in Charleston, SC

Even the Charleston sky is getting ready for Halloween.

Photo by @bymatthewfortner

Table of Contents

Carve some time into your schedule. We’ve got a festive contest for you to take part in this spooky season — the CHStoday Pumpkin Carving Contest.

Whether you planned to carve a pumpkin this season or not, this is your excuse to run to the nearest pumpkin patch or garden store, pick out your perfect pumpkin, and get creative. Don’t forget the carving kit.

The rules + details:

Create your own pumpkin masterpiece; carve, paint, shave, use stickers, or get creative in a way that is fun for you.

To make a submission, take a picture of your pumpkin + submit it here, along with a name for your art, a short description, your name, and your email address. Submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15.

While traditional pumpkin carvings and designs will be accepted, bonus points will be awarded to original and locally-themed designs. (Think: local landmarks, businesses, and icons.) Any submissions with offensive language or artwork will not be accepted.

Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in our newsletter on Friday, Oct. 20. These finalists will go head-to-head for the chance to be crowned best jack-o’-lantern of 2023 — you, our readers, will be the ones to vote — and the winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 27.

Want some pumpkin art inspo before you get started? Here are a few no carve ideas as well as some pumpkin carving pro tips.

Submit here.

More from CHStoday
We’re celebrating two local spots highlighted by the James Beard Awards that advanced past the semifinal round for the foodie accolades.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Charleston, SC has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
Hanahan will soon welcome Blackwells Corner, a new town center taking shape.
Celebrate Small Businesses by calling one of these seven companies that will help you prepare your home for the warmer months and enjoy your newfound free time.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
The Cooper River Bridge Run is an annual race that draws tens of thousands of visitors to town for one of the largest 10K races in the US.
Maximize your commute with these reader and editor picks for Charleston podcasts from local leaders.
Plot twist — you’re in charge, we want to know what improvement projects you’d plan for the Holy City.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or just want to try something new, the cooking class at Zero George is highly recommended.