Pumpkin Power: Copperas Cove Wants Your Best Carvings!

Its a Halloween contest with a Christmas prize!!! 

Copperas Cove Pumpkin Carving Contest 

The Parks and Recreation Department for Copperas Cove is hosting a free online pumpkin carving contest during the month of October. The contest winner will be announced on October 31st, but the prize is all about Christmas. The winner will receive four tickets to a breakfast with Santa Claus. 

Pumpkin Carving Contest Rules 

These are The Parks and Recreation Department for Copperas Cove contest rules. 

1. The contest is for all ages, but only amateurs. No professional carvers are allowed.
2. Only one submission per person/family member.
3. Submitter’s photo must be visible in the picture.
4. Submissions began Oct 1st and will end on Oct 29th at 11:59pm CST.
5. Submit your carved pumpkin by posting a picture of it in the COMMENTS of the OFFICIAL SUBMISSIONS POST and or the OFFICIAL PARENT BAND CHAT (only these will be submitted in the contest). Click this link on the Parks and Rec Department Facebook page to submit your entry.
6. Voting will begin on Oct 30th.
7. The winner will be announced on October 31st.
8. One winner will be chosen. The winner will receive four tickets to Breakfast with Santa!

Make Pumpkin Carving Easy with these Hacks  

Start With the Bottom 

Make the main hole for your pumpkin on the bottom. This method will keep the moisture inside the pumpkin longer. It makes the inside removal easier, and you can place the pumpkin over a candle instead of reaching inside.   

Carve in Your Lap 

Caving a pumpkin on a table is a nightmare because the thing tends to move. Avoid this headache by carving it in your lap.  

Use a Hand Mixer 

If you hate removing the inside of the pumpkin with your bare hands, use a hand mixer instead! The mixer loosens the inside to make removal easier.  

Use an Ice Cream Scoop 

If you do not have a hand mixer, you can remove the insides with an ice cream scoop. 

Use a Red Dry-Erase Marker 

If you plan to draw a design on your pumpkin before carving, use a red dry erase pen. Screwups can be wiped away, and the red does not stand out as much as other colors.  

Carve Designs with Cookie Cutters 

If you are not the artist, use holiday cookie cutters to trace the designs on your pumpkin. Push the sharp edge of the cookie cutter into the pumpkin until it is secure.  

Apply Vaseline 

A way to make your pumpkin last longer after carving is using Vaseline. Rub it on the edges of the carved surfaces. The reason is twofold. One, it keeps the pumpkin from drying out. Two, it will act as a hungry critter deterrent. 

Sprinkle Pumpkin with Cinnamon 

If you want your pumpkin to smell good for the trick or treaters, sprinkle cinnamon on the inside of the lid.  

Forget the Candle. Use Twinkle Lights! 

If lit candles make you nervous, you can either use a battery powered candle or twinkle lights! The twinkling lights will give your pumpkin personality.