There were just 15 entries in the Andover Lions Club first annual Pumpkin Decorating contest held Halloween evening.
Lion Stephen Walker came up with the event in lieu of the club’s annual Halloween party in the school. The advent of Covid-19and the ongoing restrictions squashed those plans.
“We wanted to do something for the kids. We usually have a party with costumes, contests, and refreshments for around 150 kids. With COVID-19 we couldn’t do that this year, so we started thinking of other things we could do,” he said.
Rules for the contest which was divided into four categories were simple. Entries had to be real pumpkins. Three judges decided which pumpkin designs were the most interesting and deserving of a $25 prize and candy. Each entry also received a candy reward.
The judges were Lions Dave Schaut and Linda and Virgil Garner. They were judged on the uniqueness, intricacy and carving ability.
One pumpkin was in in the under 5 division and young Gray Davis won the prize. Sisters Lillian Hanks and Olivia Hanks won the 6 to 10 years division and 11 to 17 years division consecutively. The final award, the over 17 and adult division was won by Heather Perkins (shown below).
Walker said he didn’t know if there would be another Pumpkin Decorating contest next year. The judges agreed, “There is such artistic talent in Andover that it was hard to make a decision.”
