By Dawn Kenney

Shirley Pumpkin Fest returns to the Shirley Center Town Common on Sunday, October 11, from 3–8 p.m., bringing an afternoon and evening of free family fun for all ages. And this year, organizers are calling on the community to help make Pumpkin Fest bigger, brighter, and maybe a little spookier.

We need scarecrows. We need jack-o’-lanterns. We need pumpkin pies. And we need young artists!

The annual Scarecrow Contest is back, and individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to create a scarecrow to help decorate Shirley Center for the festival. Funny, clever, traditional or delightfully creepy — we’d love to see them all.

The Pumpkin Carving Contest returns, too. Bring your carved jack-o’-lantern to Pumpkin Fest and compete in categories including Scariest, Funniest, and Most Creative.

And there’s something new cooking this year: our first Pumpkin Pie Bake-Off! We know there are some great bakers out there, so dust off that favorite recipe and bring us your best pumpkin pie from scratch. Bakers of all ages are welcome to enter.

Our youngest neighbors can get creative too, with a Kids’ Pumpkin Fest Coloring Contest. Coloring sheets are being distributed to local elementary schools, and completed entries can be brought to the festival for judging.

There are bragging rights at stake – and great prizes donated by local businesses for the winners.

The contests are part of what makes Pumpkin Fest special. It’s something the whole community can help create. And with live music, food trucks, face painting, pumpkin painting, a giant pumpkin bounce house, a 50/50 raffle and more, there’s something for every age to enjoy.

So build a scarecrow. Carve a pumpkin. Bake your best pie. Break out the crayons.

Then bring your creativity and the whole family – to Shirley Pumpkin Fest on October 11!

Contest rules, entry information, and complete festival details are available at shirleymeetinghouse.org.