Watch teams get creative at State Fair’s pumpkin decorating contest

October brings us two great events: the S.C. State Fair and Halloween. And how awesome is it when the two collide?

Folks can watch the State Fair’s pumpkin decorating contest from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the Moore Building.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Brenda Turner, superintendent of the home and craft department at the State Fair. “It’s interesting to see what they do.”

Contestants had to pre-register. Thirteen teams signed up. They are teams of two, most of them an adult paired with a child.

Pumpkins, about the size of a basketball, are provided. Contestants bring their own decorating materials, like paint, markers, yarn, fabric and glue to attach whatever other materials they may use.

Carving and hollowing out the pumpkins are not allowed – they want the pumpkins to last throughout the fair without rottening – but etching is allowed.

And contestants can paint them. Dress them. Give them props.

Pumpkins are judged based on originality (50 percent), workmanship (25 percent) and creativity (25 percent). Judging will occur on stage at 4 p.m. First place wins $30, second place $20 and third place $10.

Expect to be wowed, Turner said.

“Some are really unusual,” she said. “Some people are just so creative.”

Folks are encouraged to come watch the decorating, and be there for the live judging at 4 p.m.

The decorated pumpkins will be on display during the fair to give folks ideas for their own Halloween decorations.

Viewing the contest is free with fair admission. Go to www.scstatefair.org for more fair information, including tickets.