Here's a sampling of some of the carved pumpkin competitions and dispays around Arkansas.
Central Arkansas
Tuesday -- Halloween Carnival, Amy Sanders Library, 31 Shelby Road, Sherwood -- Includes a costume contest and judging and display of jack-o'-lanterns made by library patrons during an earlier pumpkin carving event. Call (501) 835-7756 for more information.
Wednesday -- Boulevard Bread Co. in Little Rock is holding its first pumpkin carving contest with two competitions, one for adults and another for children 12 and under. Those wishing to enter should post photos of their submissions to Boulevard Bread's Facebook page or to Instagram with the hashtag #boulevardpumpkincarving. Entries are due by the close of business Wednesday. The winners must display their pumpkins at the company's Heights location at 1920 N. Grant St. beginning Thursday with the option to retrieve it after Halloween. The adult winner gets dinner for two; the winner of the children's competition receives a dozen cookies. For more information, call (501) 663-5951.
Friday -- Balloon Glow & Mac-O-Lanterns at MacArthur Park, Little Rock -- This event features $5 tethered hot-air balloons, music, food trucks and local breweries from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Those attending will be invited to paint pumpkins provided and watch as local artists carve jack-o'-lanterns. Pumpkin carving begins at 5:30 p.m. and the evening celebration begins at 6 with a balloon glow at 7, concluding at 9. For information, call (501) 375-0121 or visit MacArthurParkLR.com.
Jonesboro
Oct. 31 -- Second annual Harley-Davidson of Jonesboro "Pumpkins for Pups" Pumpkin carving contest is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with competitors bringing in their already carved pumpkins. Voting will be by $1 donations, which will benefit the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society. The jack-o'-lantern receiving the most donations will earn its carver a $100 Harley-Davidson of Jonesboro gift certificate. For more information, call (870) 932-0780 or email info@hdjonesboro.com.
Fayetteville
Oct. 31 -- Fayetteville Farmers Market Halloween Costume Contest and Pumpkin Carving Giveaway runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Fayetteville. Those attending are encouraged to dress in costume and stop by the managers' booth to enter the costume competition. Local artists will create jack-o'-lanterns; some visitors will have the chance to take one home at the conclusion of the market, located at 101 Mountain St. (Block, Mountain, East and Center streets).
-- Linda S. Haymes
HomeStyle on 10/24/2015
