Now’s your chance to put your pumpkin carving skills to the test, and support one of our local nonprofits at the same time. Why limit your amazing pumpkin display to your front porch when the entire community could enjoy your artistry? The first annual Pumpkin Carving Contest, sponsored by the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA), will award cash prizes to winners in four categories: scariest (must be family-friendly), funniest, most creative, and art(ist)-inspired. Separate winners will be chosen in each of the four categories for adults (15 and older) and children.

Entry frees are $5 for children, and $10 for adults. Participants must purchase their own pumpkins. Entries should be dropped off at BMCA on Tuesday, October 27 or Wednesday, October 28. BMCA will display and illuminate the pumpkins on State Street from Thursday, October 29 through Saturday, October 31st. ​Drive by and see what your neighbors have created! This is a great socially-distanced way to celebrate Halloween right here in the Valley.

BMCA is located at 225 West State Street, in Black Mountain. To register for the pumpkin carving contest, visit blackmountainarts.org/events. For more info, call 828-669-0930.

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Congratulations to BMCA on reaching this milestone, and for bringing arts to the people – and people to the arts – for the past 20 years in the Swannanoa Valley!