Pumpkin carvers can enter Sci-Quest contest
HUNTSVILLE – Cool evenings are a reminder that Halloween is approaching. To prepare for the haunted holiday, Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center is holding a pumpkin carving contest.
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Registration is open through Oct. 18 for the competition at Sci-Quest on Oct. 19.
Contestants can compete in four categories: kids’ painting for children who are 12 years old and younger; carving as a family effort; carving by amateurs; and carving by professionals, Sci-Quest Marketing Manager Jennifer Deermer said.
“Science” is this year’s theme. “A panel of judges will select winners in each category. All pumpkins will be judged based on design, theme, detail, creativity and originality,” Deermer said. Contestants may submit pumpkins for multiple categories.
Contestants must complete all carving and painting on the Sci-Quest premises between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19. Contestants must bring their own pumpkins and carving tools. Sci-Quest will provide the paint and paintbrushes for the kids’ painting category.
“Contestants can arrive anytime between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to finish their pumpkin,” Deermer said. “Judges will view the pumpkins and announce the winners at a special awards ceremony after the contest and award prizes.”
Entry fees are $15 for the kids painting category, $20 for families and $25 for amateurs and professional carvings. Sci-Quest will display the contest pumpkins from Oct. 19 through Oct. 26.
In addition, Sci-Quests will host the “Expanding Your Horizons” conference on Oct. 28 though Nov. 1. “The conference will nurture girls’ interest in science and math courses to encourage them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” Deermer said.
“We provide STEM role models and hands-on activities for middle-school girls. The conference’s ultimate goal is to motivate girls to become innovative and creative thinkers ready to meet 21st-century challenges,” Deermer said.
Sci-Quest currently is located at 102-D Wynn Drive in Huntsville and has plans to move to Madison. For more information, call 256-837-0606 or visit sci-quest.org.
