You’re invited to The Local Store for our first ever pumpkin carving contest!
With fun categories for both youth & adults, the whole family can compete! With your help, we will transform our courtyard into a whimsical Jack-O-Lantern Lane with hot apple cider, fresh roasted nuts, theatrical lighting, and tons of Jack-O-Lanterns!
You could win part of $1000 in cash and prizes, and also get your Jack-O-Lantern seen by hundreds, if not thousands of locals checking out, and voting for their favorite pumpkins, store shoppers, and people waiting to ride The Eau Claire Dark History Tour from Chippewa River Trolley!
2025 SCHEDULE
OCT 21 - 23
Carved Pumpkin Drop Off
Your chance at part of $1,000 in cash prizes!
OCT 24 - 26
Public Voting In Fun Categories
OCT 27 - NOV 1
Pumpkins On Display All Week
THE 2025 WINNERS!
• • •
Audience Choice (Adult)
1st Place #16 - Hedgehog
by Heidi L.
2nd Place #5 - String Eyes
by Heather W.
3rd Place #31 - Frog Prince
by the France Family
Audience Choice (Youth)
1st Place #1 - Hungry Guy
by Sadie P.
2nd Place #2 - Toothy Face
by Lily P.
3rd Place #3 - Smiley Face
by Dakota F.
Creepiest Carve
#33 - The Brain
by Paul C.
Silliest Squash
#13 - Kittens
by Denise B.
Passionate Use of Pumpkin Parts
#17 - Creepy Mike Wazowski
by Micah M.
Gourd-geous Design
#16 - Hedgehog
by Heidi L.
Coolest EC Carve
#5 - String Eyes
by Heather W.
• • •
Thanks to everyone
who carved!
See you next year!
Tips and Tricks for Success
• • •
1. Keep it Fresh
While our courtyard is cool and out of the sun, to keep pumpkins as fresh as possible through Halloween weekend.
Try and carve your pumpkin as close to the time you drop it off as you can. You can also cover exposed areas of the pumpkins with a light coating of olive oil to help protect against any warm air.
2. Carving Kits
You can always use the traditional Big Kitchen Knife to cut your carve, but we will have both pumpkins and carving kits available for sale at The Local Store for those who need them.
3. Be creative!
Think outside the gourd.
