Sharpen up those carving knifes everyone. Put your creativity cap on. A Pumpkin Carving Contest is an added feature of the Hatten Park Haunted Trail this year.
Ginger Miller, recreation coordinator for New London Park and Rec, says all pumpkins must be pre-carved and dropped off at Hatten Park Shelters between 3 and 6 p.m. either Tuesday, Oct. 26 or Wednesday, Oct. 27.
Pumpkins will be judged according to age groups: 12 and under, Teens (13-20), adults (21+), with prizes awarded within each group for: cutest, funniest, scariest and most creative.
Judging takes place Friday evening beginning at 8 p.m. All entries will be displayed on Thursday and Friday at the Haunted Trail. Winners will be announced at 9 p.m. Friday evening.
You are encouraged to pre-register, but you may also register onsite when you drop off your pumpkin.
There is no registration fee for this event. If you need a pumpkin to carve, you can pick up a free pumpkin at the Hatten Park Shelter between 3 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20 or Thursday, Oct. 21.
Hatten Haunted Trail runs from 7 to 10 p.m. two evenings, Thursday, Oct. 28 and Friday, Oct. 29. The line up starts at Hatten Park’s main shelter, where you meet a trail guide who reviews safety with the group before leading you through two acres of Halloween infested forest, providing startling moments and silly antics. As in past years, younger children should come before 8 p.m. for a milder rendition of spooky happenings.