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

Bring your work of art to the Reception Centre at the Botanical Garden from October 6 to 12, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from October 13 to 14, between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, October 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Contest closing date: October 15 at noon

The masterpieces will be on display at the Great Pumpkin Ball Exhibition in the Main Exhibition Greenhouse until October 31, 2011.

To speed up your registration, you can complete the entry form (pdf format) before arriving with your decorated pumpkin.
You can also download the pumpkin-decorating contest brochure.

Individual Entries Group Entries Family Entries 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 Young jury prize 3 prizes of $50 ages 3 to 5 ages 6 to 8 ages 9 to 12

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

A group of at least 5 and at most 30 people must have worked on entries in this category. A single prize will be awarded to the entire group. A school may enter a maximum of four pumpkins.

Best-decorated pumpkin 10 prizes of $50 to $200 in gift certificates and passes to the Garden, including an educational workshop. 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 school workshops will be on display in the Great Pumpkin Ball. Selected pumpkins will be online for the virtual vote. 13 pumpkins will be displayed and 5 will win prizes:

Ages 13 to 17
1st prize : $150
2nd prize : $75

Ages 18 and up
1st prize : $175
2nd prize : $100

For both age groups:
an honourable mention and a $75 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.
13. No pumpkins brought to the Garden after the deadline will be entered in 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.