Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation pumpkin figure contest celebrates America250

LACONIA — For the 70th anniversary of the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, the nonprofit will be doing something a little different for their annual pumpkin figure contest. For the first time, the contest has a theme: a patriotic celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Chris Guilmett, executive director, said the contest is open not just for Laconia, but Meredith, Gilford, and other surrounding communities.

The organization is hoping to have students participate in the contest this year.

“We really are encouraging the area high schools to participate,” Guilmett said. “We have had the elementary schools, but we're kind of looking at, in a few short months, the seniors are going to be looking to us for scholarship aid. So, what better way to get to know more about us than participating in the project?”

High schools can enter and compete in the Best School award category. Other categories include most creative, best nonprofit, best business, and best theme representation, which is new this year.

Last year there were about 50 participants, made up of nonprofit organizations, businesses, families, residents, and schools.

“The Huot Center here in Laconia, all of the classes at Huot participate, and boy, they really come up with some creative displays,” Guilmett said.

Participants can register online at lrscholarship.org. Participants must submit photos of their completed displays.

“There have been some years where we've had some inclement weather that has come in, whether it's the wind or rain, and has actually destroyed the displays,” Guilmett said. “So, the pictures help the judges at least know what it was supposed to have been.”

The Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation’s board of directors sit on the judging panel for the contest.

“I'll tell you, when these pictures come in, I'm like, 'There is no way I could be a judge, because I'd give everybody a prize. I mean, they're just phenomenal. They really are, just seeing what they do,” Guilmett said.

Entry forms must be received by Friday, Oct. 9, and judging will occur Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 15-17. Throughout the weekend, Happy Cow Ice Cream Shop will donate a portion of proceeds to the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, acting as a pit stop for people touring the pumpkin figure trail.

The Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation will also have a map of all entries.

“In conjunction with the contest, we will have an interactive map on our website, so that you can just kind of see where they are, follow the trail around,” Guilmett said. “So, if you're out there checking out the displays, take a break, have a Happy Cow ice cream, and then continue on your way.”

After judging concludes on Oct. 17, winners will be announced for each category, and receive local prizes from Cactus Jack’s, Funspot, and Patrick’s Pub & Eatery.

Since the following weekend is the Laconia Pumpkin Festival, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, Guilmett said they are encouraging people to keep their pumpkin figure displays up through the end of the month.

“We’ve always had great community participation,” Guilmett said. “It’s just a festive time.”