Join the fun : transform your pumpkin into a witch, an elf, a fairy... Let your imagination run wild!

Bring your decorated pumpkin to the Botanical Garden Reception Centre, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 2 to 9, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October 10 to 16.

The masterpieces will be on display at the Great Pumpkin Ball Exhibition in the Main Exhibition Greenhouse until November 1, 2009.

Individual Entries Group Entries Family Entries UPA school workshops Contest Rules Judging Criteria Keeping your pumpkin in good shape Some decorating tips

Biggest pumpkin 3 prizes of $200 to $500 for all «Yung Jury Prize» 3 prizes of $50 ages 6 to 8 ages 9 to 12 ages 13 to 17

Best-decorated pumpkin 14 prizes of $50 to $250 ages 3 to 5 ages 6 to 8 ages 9 to 12 ages 13 to 17 adults

Group entries may not also be submitted as individual entries. At least five people must have worked on entries in this category, on a theme of their choice. Awards will be presented to the whole group. A maximum of 4 pumpkins per school may be submitted for the contest.

Best-decorated pumpkin 10 prizes of $50 to $200 in gift certificates ages 3 to 5 ages 6 to 8 ages 9 to 12 ages 13 and up

Pumpkins decorated by high-school and college students during the UPA-sponsored workshops will be on display in the Great Pumpkin Ball. Selected pumpkins will be online for the virtual vote. 15 pumpkins will be displayed and 5 will win prizes:

Ages 13 to 17
1st prize : $100
2nd prize : $75

Ages 18 and up
1st prize : $150
2nd prize : $75

For both age groups:
an honourable mention and a $50 prize for the best-decorated biodegradable pumpkin.

1. The main part of each entry must be a pumpkin or a member of the pumpkin family.
2. Pumpkins may not be carved or hollowed out.
3. Pumpkins may not be larger than 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm (2' x 2 ' x 2'), except for those in the "biggest pumpkin" category.
4. Pumpkins entered may not be reclaimed during or after the contest.
5. Objects and materials used to decorate pumpkins may not be reclaimed during or after the contest, under any circumstances.
6. Objects, paper and materials of any kind may be pinned or glued to pumpkins. Participants may also draw or paint on their entries, cut designs into their surfaces or dress them up.
7. No electrical device may be used as part of any entry.
8. Each entry (except for those in the "biggest pumpkin" category) must have a title.
9. The Montréal Botanical Garden reserves the right to compost any pumpkin that starts to rot during the contest period.
10. The pumpkins become the property of the Montréal Botanical Garden, which may use them for any purpose, with no compensation or acknowledgement.
11. The contest is not open to employees of the Montréal Botanical Garden, contest organizers or their families.
12. All participants must be residents of the province of Québec at the time of the contest.

Entries will be judged according to the following criteria : originality ingenious use of inexpensive and recycled materials quality of the work suitability of the title quality of the work in light of the participant's age

• Choose a firm pumpkin, with no blemishes, and make sure the stem is firmly attached.
• First wash your pumpkin under running water.
• Store your pumpkin in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, protected from frost.

Use acrylic paint if you wish to paint your pumpkin. To engrave or carve designs into your pumpkin, use a knife for cutting leather. Never puncture your pumpkin. Use a glue gun and straight pins to attach decorations to your pumpkin.