As a community service project, the Dundy County Stratton FBLA Chapter is hosting the annual pumpkin contest, spook parade, and costume contest for area youth on Tuesday, October 31. Financial support for the project is provided by the Dundy County Chamber of Commerce and Development.
Pumpkin Contest
The pumpkin contest will be held on the east side of the courthouse in Benkelman (if inclement weather, all events will be held at the Benkelman Elementary gymnasium). Pumpkins will be accepted for judging from 3:45-4:15 p.m. Judging will be conducted in six age divisions: preschool, K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th, and group. Prizes will be awarded for age divisions’ preschool, K-1st, and 2nd -3rd in the following eight categories: scariest, funniest, cutest, most creative, most original, craziest, silliest, and most imaginative. The older age divisions (4th-5th, 6th -8th) and pumpkin group will be judged in the following four categories: scariest, funniest, cutest, and most creative.
Costume Contest
Costume registration will also be held from 3:45-4:15 p.m. at the courthouse. Categories for the age divisions will be the same as the pumpkin contest. Costume winners will be announced following the winners of the pumpkin contest on the courthouse lawn. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to the winners of each category.
Spook Parade
The parade will begin in front of the Zorn Theater at 4:15 p.m. with high school FBLA members and the sheriff’s department escorting “goblins” southward along the west side of Chief Street and back up the east side to the courthouse where winners will be announced and prizes distributed for the pumpkins and costume contests. After prizes are awarded, youngsters will be welcomed by many of the businesses for the distribution of treats. All pumpkins need to be picked up after the announcement of the winners.