Pumpkin pizzazz: Top tips to win the Pembina Valley pumpkin decorating contest

Calling all pumpkin Picassos! Halloween is around the corner, and Pembina Valley Online’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest is the perfect way to show off your spooky, stylish, or downright hilarious pumpkin creations. Whether you’re carving, painting, or bedazzling your pumpkin masterpiece, this contest has a category for everyone—plus, winners take home an epic treat bag filled with goodies.

Contest Details

• How to Enter: Decorate your pumpkin however you like, snap a photo, and submit it here: Pumpkin Decorating Contest Entry by October 28th!
• Categories: There are three ways to showcase your pumpkin:
  • Carved: For classic jack-o-lanterns with scary or silly faces.
  • Painted: Perfect for adding bold color, intricate designs, or a bit of sparkle.
  • Decorated: Think out of the box—glue on craft items, add props, or even bedazzle it for a glam-ghoul look.
• Age Groups: Entries are grouped by ages 0-9, 10-15, and 16+—so everyone in the family can participate!

Tips for Pumpkin Success in Each Category

1. Carved Pumpkins 

• Classic Creepy Faces: Try out traditional jack-o-lantern faces, but mix it up with different expressions—think grins, frowns, or even a silly wink.
• Patterns & Shapes: Use tools like cookie cutters or stencils to carve stars, moons, or leaves for a unique pattern.
• Carving Tip: Instead of cutting from the top, try cutting from the bottom for a cleaner look, plus it’s easier to light up.

2. Painted Pumpkins 

• Pumpkin Portraits: Turn your pumpkin into your favorite movie character or superhero with some paint. A black hat and white eyes make a mini witch, while green skin and purple paint can create a cute Frankenstein.
• Patterns & Textures: Get creative with polka dots, stripes, or chevrons. Metallic paints can add a little shimmer under the night sky.
• Glitter & Gems: Add sparkle with glitter or gem stickers for an enchanted look that glows, even without carving.

3. Decorated Pumpkins 

• Bedazzled Boos: Glue on rhinestones or craft jewels to make a glamorous jack-o-lantern. Arrange gems in patterns or create a glittering face.
• Mini Costume: Turn your pumpkin into a character with a mini hat, some googly eyes, or even little arms made from craft supplies.
• Props & Accessories: Give your pumpkin some personality by adding glasses, mustaches, or even wings. Go for a ‘50s-inspired pumpkin with cat-eye glasses and a polka dot scarf or a pirate pumpkin with a bandana and eye patch!

Get those designs started, bring out the paint, glitter, or carving tools, and turn those pumpkins into pieces of Halloween art. Remember to enter by October 28th for a chance to win that ultimate treat bag of goodies—good luck, and may the best pumpkin win!

See some of the entries below.