RALEIGH — Young artists can aim for pumpkin perfection during the 30th annual Decorated Pumpkin Contest at the State Farmers Market Thursday.
The contest is divided into three age groups: 8 and under, 9 to 15, and 16 and older. Contestants can carve, paint or use other art media to decorate their entries. Decorated pumpkins will be judged on use of color and shape, the quality of the pumpkin used and creativity. Artificial pumpkins will not be accepted.
Entries can be dropped off at the Farmers Building on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Judging will start at 10 a.m. Thursday. All entries will be displayed in the Farmers Building through the end of October.
Participants will receive a prize for entering. The top four winners in each division also will receive a State Farmers Market prize pack. First-place winners will receive a price pack worth $70, second-place winners will earn a prize pack worth $50, third-place winners will earn a prize pack worth $40, and fourth-place winners will take home prize packs worth $30.
The event is sponsored by the Market Imports, the N.C. Seafood Restaurant, State Farmers Market Restaurant, WQDR-FM, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
For more information about other this and other events happening at the State Farmers Market, go to www.statefarmersmarket.org.