Pumpkin Carving Contest New to Halloween Bash This Year

The Park District of La Grange on Friday, Oct. 25 will host its annual Halloween Party from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Recreation Center, 536 East Ave. in La Grange.

This free event is open to children ages 12 years and younger, accompanied by an adult, according to a news release from the park district. Featured activities include carnival games, prizes, candy, entertainment and crafts. 

The park district will also raffle off two bikes generously donated by the La Grange Fire Dept. Firefighters Association Union. 

New to the bash this year is a Pumpkin Carving Contest for children ages 12 and under. 

The district will give away 25 pumpkins at the Recreation Center on Monday, Oct. 21 starting at 9 a.m. to kick off the contest. To qualify for the contest, pumpkins can be no larger than 12-14 inches in diameter.

Completed pumpkins can be dropped off at the Recreation Center on Oct. 25 anytime throughout the day, but no later than 7:30 p.m. Pumpkin carvings will be judged on how well the carving looks lit by a candle inside the base of the pumpkin, carving skills, and overall aesthetic appeal.  

Candles will be provided. Judging will take place from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. with winners announced at 8:00 p.m.

The park district will also host Parent & Tot Pumpkin Carving from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, where children ages 2-6 can create a spooky jack-o-lantern at Parent & Tot Pumpkin Carving! The Park District will provide all carving materials, decorations and a Halloween snack; participants only need to bring a pumpkin. 

Advance registration is required so stop in the Recreation Center to sign up or register online at www.pdlg.org/programs. No online account? Stop in with proof of address and will be happy to set one up for you. The program cost is $15 for La Grange and Countryside residents, $20 for non-residents, and $17 for Neighborhood Network residents (Western Springs, La Grange Park, Brookfield, McCook and La Grange Highlands).

Information courtesy of a news release from the Park District of La Grange.