Lincoln Elementary announced the rules for its "Scare Up a Good Book" pumpkin decorating contest in a report published October 9, 2026. The contest invites students to decorate pumpkins to represent their favorite book characters or story settings.
Participants may bring pumpkins to the school from Friday, October 9, through the end of school on Friday, October 23. Judging is scheduled for October 26-27, with winners to be announced on October 28. All pumpkins must be taken home by Thursday, October 29, or they will be disposed of.
Entries must consist of a real pumpkin or a member of the pumpkin family, such as squash. The school will not accept carved or cut pumpkins, as punctured skin can cause rot. Students may use paint, drawings, or glue various materials and objects to their entries, provided designs remain school-appropriate and avoid blood, gore, or offensive language.
Contestants must identify the book their pumpkin represents. Students may bring their own books to display or use a library book or a printed cover provided by Mrs. B. To ensure student independence, participants must be able to bring their own pumpkins into the school, as parents are not permitted to deliver entries.
Judging will be based on originality, creativity, the student's own work, and representation of the reading theme. Prizes will be awarded for each of the following categories:
Kindergarten and 1st grade
2nd and 3rd grade
4th through 6th grade
An overall Best of Show prize will also be given.
