By Laura Kleiss Hoeft
Chamber Director
The Clay County Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring a pumpkin decorating contest. The goal is to have businesses create a fun attraction that residents and visitors will want to appreciate, celebrate and even vote on.
Businesses decorate a pumpkin to display from Thursday, Oct. 14 through Halloween. The Chamber will even get one of the big pumpkins for you if you have the desire to go big. The Pumpkin Trail will be promoted at the Punkin Chunkin Festival, on the Chamber website and Facebook, plus other promotions. A map of the Pumpkin Trail showing all participating businesses will be available to thousands of visitors at the festival, online and at local businesses. You can also promote the Pumpkin Trail. A jury of artists will judge the pumpkins as well as citizens will be voting. Prizes will be awarded in two categories: Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice.
Further information including rules, cost to enter, prizes and an application are available at the Chamber office, on the website:www.claychambernc.com or by calling 389-3704. Residents and visitors can simply enjoy the artistry.
In addition, there will be a Celebration of Life Pumpkin Garden.
We encourage individuals to decorate a pumpkin in celebration of the life of a friend, a teacher or family member who has lost his/her life due to COVID. Please decorate, sign, write a quote on a pumpkin and bring it to the Chamber of Commerce to register your pumpkin and your tribute.
The pumpkins will be placed in the downtown square Oct. 14-31. Pumpkins can be dropped off starting Monday, Oct. 11. If you have questions, call the chamber office.