This year, the library is getting into the fall spirit by hosting a pumpkin decorating contest. Kids, middle grade children, teens, and adults are invited to decorate a pumpkin like their favorite book character. It’s easy and fun for the whole family! Participants may bring in a decorated pumpkin to the Centennial Library only and enter it into our contest October 4 – October 27.
All entries must be received by 7:00pm the day of October 27 at the Centennial Library.
Contest Rules
- ABSOLUTELY NO CARVED PUMPKINS! Carved pumpkins rot, attract bugs, and smell. Most importantly, we don’t want a child handling a knife or carving tools. Carved pumpkins will not be entered into the contest and will be sent home. Pumpkins may be painted, hot glued, colored, etc.
- Pumpkins should represent a favorite book character. On the entry form, you must write the title and author of the book. All designs must be family-friendly.
- This is a home project. Participants should do most of the work themselves, with only some assistance, for fair judging in their respective category.
- Please drop off your pumpkins and contest entry forms to the Youth Services help desk the Centennial Library beginning October 4, 2025.
- Do not write your name anywhere on the pumpkin. When you bring your pumpkin and entry form to Youth Services staff, they will record the information so that each pumpkin can be properly identified.
- Pumpkins will be judged according to the following categories:
- Kids (Age 4-12)
- Teens (Age 13-17)
- Adults (Age 18+)
- Winners will be announced on Midland County Public Libraries' Facebook and Instagram on October 29.
- All pumpkins will need to be picked up by end of day Saturday, November 1 at the Centennial Library.
- Any remaining pumpkins will be discarded.
- Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place in each category.
How to enter
To enter the 2025 Literary Pumpkin Contest, download and print the entry form. Bring your entry form along with your pumpkin to the Centennial Library's Youth Services desk.