Support Us Button Widget
Culture

CHStoday’s 2023 pumpkin carving contest winners

We were floored by the creativity of our readers, so it’s our pleasure to hand out our super official pumpkin carving awards in time for the holidays.

October 26, 2023 • 
Emily Shea-Owen, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A jack-o'-lantern with seeds pouring out of its mouth beside a bottle of Samuel Adams beer. Beside it, green pumpkins arranged like a frog wearing a witch's hat.

Ladies and everyone, your CHS pumpkin carving contest winners. | Photos by Scott C. (left) and Linda P. (right)

Table of Contents
Funniest Pumpkin: October Overindulgence
Most Creative Pumpkin: Well, That Spell Backfired

You’ve scooped the seeds and made masterpieces out of pumpkins. Now it’s time for us to reveal the winners for our Pumpkin Carving Contest — and we couldn’t pick just one. Check out the pumpkins below, including our super official awards for the winning entries.

A pumpkin carved to look as if it is vomiting pumpkin seeds sits next to a bottle of Samuel Adams beer.

“October Overindulgence.”

Photo submitted by Scott I.

Funniest Pumpkin: October Overindulgence

Everyone loves a good beer, but maybe this pumpkin could have gone a little easier on the brew. Question — is it considered cannibalism for a jack-o'-lantern to drink a pumpkin ale?

A set of gourds arranged and painted to look like a frog wearing a hat.

“Well, That Spell Backfired.”

Submitted by Linda P.

Most Creative Pumpkin: Well, That Spell Backfired

We love a pumpkin with a backstory. This entry tells the story of “a witch who accidentally turned herself into a frog.”

Thank you to everyone who submitted — including one reader who submitted a picture of pasta, which looked delicious by the way. Happy Halloween, and we’ll see you next year.

More from CHStoday
Screen Shot 2022-11-29 at 3.59.45 PM.png
Work
The top industries and employers in the Charleston metro area
We crunched the numbers for you.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Staff
A lively city street scene shows elegant multi-story buildings with arched windows, rooftop terraces, and bustling sidewalks filled with pedestrians. Cars line the road, while trees and greenery soften the urban architecture.
Development
Taking a closer look at the Courier Square project
Courier Square is a mixed-use Planned Urban Development project that aims to provide new housing, retail, and office space to upper King Street.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
A cozy café interior shows pastry cases filled with baked goods, fridges stocked with drinks, and a handwritten menu board. Warm lighting, rustic décor, and a “Grab & Go…Or Stay” sign invite customers.
Business
Odd Duck Market is spreading its wings with a new location planned for downtown
The market is a Park Circle favorite serving everything from breakfast and wines to unique gifts, all while supporting local brands.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
TodaysBest-NominationsOpen-Hero_CHS.png
City
Spread the local love with CHStoday’s Best
Make your voice heard, nominate your favorite local biz and they could win CHStoday’s Best Competition.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Staff
CHStoday_Outside Charleston Museum.png
Play
10+ museums in Charleston
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or music fan, these 12 museums in Charleston have it all.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Staff
A collage shows three images: cucumber tea sandwiches on floral china, a white ferry boat cruising through blue-green waters under a partly cloudy sky, and a stack of golden biscuits filled with sausage.
Events
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits and the Daniel Island Ferry team up to offer a brunch cruise
Biscuits, Bloodies, Brunch + Boats is an all-inclusive experience that features a bountiful brunch spread and a boat ride around the waters of Charleston.
September 11, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
give-back-chs
Play
40+ volunteer opportunities in Charleston
This list of volunteer opportunities in Charleston includes everything from lending a hand at the hospital to donating to a local cause.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
This minimalist illustration on a light blue background features black line art: a book, eyeglasses, pencil, butterfly, and bird framing a cloaked, hat-wearing figure, all enclosed in a rounded square.
Business
Ladybird Books, a new independent bookstore, is set to open on King Street
In addition to offering a plethora of books, the new independent bookstore Ladybird Books will host events, readings, and conversations.
September 9, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
A neatly wrapped napkin, a drink on a coaster, and a cookbook titled “The Fleet Landing Cookbook” featuring a waterfront restaurant photo rest on a dark table, creating a cozy dining atmosphere.
Business
Fleet Landing celebrates 20 years with the release of “The Fleet Landing Cookbook”
To celebrate 20 years of serving seafood and southern favorites on the Charleston Harbor, Fleet Landing has released its first cookbook.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
a breakfast sandwich and iced coffee on table on outdoor patio
Play
Patios for outdoor dining around Charleston
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Charleston’s many beautiful patios.
September 5, 2025
 · 
Staff