Halloween is just around the corner, and Discover Weyburn has launched an exciting pumpkin-carving contest that promises to make this spooky season even more fun. Whether you’re carving, decorating, painting, or bedazzling your jack-o-lantern, it’s time to show off your skills and take part in this festive competition! Be sure to check out the contest details by clicking here and entering for a chance to win some amazing Pumpkin Prizes.
To get some tips and inspiration, we spoke with Weyburn local Sherry Klemmer, who has been carving pumpkins since she was just nine years old.
When asked what keeps her coming back to this Halloween tradition, even as an adult, she says it is one of her favourite holidays.
"The excitement of seeing that pumpkin with that light in the dark. It just brings me joy to see the pumpkin finally finished.”
For those new to pumpkin carving, she offered some advice on getting started.
“I saw someone use something I’ve never seen before. You cut the bottom of the pumpkin out when you're scooping, and she used a mix master beater. I just generally use a spoon and keep carving all the guck out until you get to the hard part.”
Sherry’s carving skills have evolved over the years, with some impressive designs under her belt.
“I’ve done a ship, a dog, just the normal triangular nose, eyes, mouth. I’ve even done deep carving where you just skin the top and go deeper to create the pattern. I love trying different designs.”
She credits her inspiration to a book called Pumpkin Masters, which she finds every year in the grocery store along with carving kits. “They have everything you need, like transfer patterns, scoopers, and saws,” she explained.
When it comes to tools, Klemmer believes that using the right ones makes all the difference.
“The good tools are key to making sharp, crisp lines. I’ve used everything from electric battery-operated saws to scroll saw blades. I probably have 20 different blades for different projects.”
Carving pumpkins has also become a family tradition, with her grandkids joining in every year.
“They love carving. They do it every year, and their mom even grows the pumpkins.”
One of Klemmers favorite creations so far has been a detailed spider design, complete with a web.
“It’s the most complex and really time-consuming, but that’s probably my favorite.”
For those feeling intimidated by intricate designs, she reassures that pumpkin carving is all about having fun.
“You can become as artistic as you like or just go for the triangles—they look wonderful too. There is no bad jack-o-lantern out there.”
Klemmer also shared a helpful trick for making your carved pumpkin last longer.
“After you carve your pumpkin, if you want to keep it for a while, you can carve it up to two weeks before Halloween. Just put Vaseline around all the carved areas and a damp cloth over it to keep it fresh.”
Ready to give it a try? Submit your pumpkin to the Spook-tacular contest for a chance to win some amazing prizes! Be sure to watch the video below for instructions on how to enter your pumpkin masterpiece.