Chamber Sets Halloween Contests

Youth will get the chance to show off their Halloween costumes and carved pumpkins at the fifth annual Pumpkin Carving and Costume Contest from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Dobisky Visitors Center outdoor patio, hosted by the Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce. The contests are free.

Participants in the carving contest must bring their own carved pumpkins to enter. For both contests, judges will award gift certificates from Walmart of $10 and $5 to the first- and second-place winners, respectively, in the following age groups: infant to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 16, and 17-plus.

Creativity is the name of the game for the contests, said Chamber Executive Director Sandra Mr. Porter. Last year, for example, a six-month-old infant was dressed as a lobster and carried around in a stainless-steel lobster pot.

With spooky music playing in the background, children will march around in a circle so judges can see their costumes, she said. Winners for both contests will be announced at the end of the evening.

"The pumpkins are always amazing," she said, adding that more than 60 pumpkins were entered in last year's competition. "This is something that families look forward to, because we see them coming back year after year."

Halloween activities will also be offered for children, who will have the chance to win candy jars by guessing the number of pieces in them. In another game, they'll reach underneath covered dishes to feel intestines (spaghetti) and eyeballs (grapes).

Refreshments will include apple cider, homemade cookies, candy and other Halloween treats.