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
Carolopolis Awards honor both private and public projects that preserve that history.
V Modern Italian aims to “feed your senses,” from the bites to the DJ-curated soundtrack, every detail comes together for a fully immersive experience.
From fossils to wild animals, these ecotours will give you a front-row seat to Charleston’s outdoors.
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.
Broaden your horizons and indulge in elevated fare with a tasting menu from one of these Charleston restaurants.
Celebrate Black History Month with these community events around the Holy City.
The Darius Rucker Big Band Gala will offer a unique night of music, with part of the proceeds benefiting the Charleston community.
Dip your toes into “phillumeny,” aka the practice of collecting matchbooks, while you explore CHS and support local businesses at the same time.
Several Charleston restaurants are offering special Lunar New Year menus.