Write a commentFeeling artistic? The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce will host a Pumpkin Carving Contest during this year's CNY Great Pumpkin Festival to be held Oct. 4 and 5 in Oswego's Washington Square Park.
Planning committee members have their sights set at breaking the official record for the most lit Jack-o'-Lanterns in one location. That record, which is currently held by the Keene, N.H. Pumpkin Festival, is a total 30,581 Jack-o'-Lanterns. It's a lofty goal, but one that Planning Committee Chairperson John Zanewych said is worth going for.
"We are looking to get all of Oswego County involved in the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival and the Chamber Pumpkin Carving Contest will be a fun way do so," Zanewych said. "While it is a considerable challenge I believe that if we can inspire school age children and their families throughout Oswego County to participate in the contest we can do it."
Those visiting the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival are encouraged to bring their Jack-o'-Lanterns to the Chamber booth when they visit the festival. Jack-o'-Lanterns will be accepted all day Saturday until 12:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Chamber booth. Pumpkins will be available to purchase at the Chamber booth for those wishing to submit their entry on Sunday. Ribbons will be awarded to the winners in each of the following categories, funniest, scariest, and most original.
"Be a part of a record breaking event," Zanewych said. "Carve as many Jack-o'-Lanterns as you like; enter them into the Chamber Pumpkin Carving Contest for a chance to win a blue ribbon; and help the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival shine brighter than ever."
The Pumpkin Carving Contest and attempt at the Jack-o'-Lantern record joins the Golden Pumpkin Award, which will be awarded to the restaurant/eatery that offers the most unique pumpkin themed menu item the week prior to the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival; and the Great Pumpkin Pie Contest, which offer individuals throughout Oswego County the opportunity to breakout their favorite pumpkin pie recipe and enter their homemade pumpkin pie for a chance to own bragging rights to the best tasting pumpkin pie in Oswego County, as new events at this years festival.
"We are looking to make this the biggest and best pumpkin festival ever," Jacqueline Thorpe, membership coordinator for the chamber, said. "I encourage everyone in Oswego County to join us for the fun and be a part of the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival."
The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce CNY Great Pumpkin Fest will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11:00 am to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by Pathfinder Bank, Excelon, National Grid, The City of Oswego, iHeart Oswego, Custom Marketing Solutions, Oswego County Today, and Zink Shirts. The festival will fill Oswego's Washington Square Park with crafters, fresh from the farm produce, food vendors, music, and games and rides for children of all ages.
The Great Pumpkin Weigh-In will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The giant pumpkins will be on display at the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival Saturday only.
For more information on the Great Pumpkin Carving Contest or the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival contact the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 315-343-7681 or visit www.oswegofultonchamber.com.
