Business Pumpkin Carving Contest
2025 Details and Rules
All businesses in the Borough of Morris Plains are invited to participate in the 2025 Morris Plains Pumpkin Carving Contest and must be registered to participate (sign up here). ​Each entry will be assigned a space on the contest display table at the event on October 24th and signage will direct attendees to vote online. Voting ends at midnight. ​ Winners will be announced on Downtown Morris Plains' social media the weekend of the 10/25. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
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Note: We cannot guarantee space after 10/1 but will do our best to accommodate all interested businesses. Visit the event page for more information, including photos from past events and FAQs for businesses.
2025 Carving Contest Rules
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Registered Morris Plains Business Only - your participation must be confirmed in advance of the event.​
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One Entry Per Business – Each business may submit one pumpkin.​
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Carving or Etching Required – Pumpkins must be carved, etched, or sculpted in some way (painting or decorations may be added, but not as the sole design).
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Size – Standard-size pumpkins only (no giant gourds or minis).​
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Original Designs – All entries must be created by your staff or community. No pre-purchased or pre-carved pumpkins allowed.​
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Safe & Family-friendly – Designs should be appropriate for all ages (no offensive or political content).​
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Display Ready – Pumpkins must be dropped off ready to display and sturdy enough to be on display for two hours.​
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Lighting – Downtown Morris Plains will supply an LED tealight for each pumpkin. If you choose to light your pumpkin in another way, please use battery-operated candles, glow sticks or LEDs only (no open flames).​
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Deadline – Pumpkins must be delivered to the Merchant Block between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on Friday, October 24th (email hello@downtownmorrisplains.org if you need to make other arrangements to get your design there on time). Late entries cannot be accepted. Pumpkins must be picked up at 8:00 pm; those remaining at 8:15 will be discarded.
Other Recommendations
Show Your Team Spirit
Get staff involved! Use the pumpkin as a way to showcase your business personality, brand or mission.
Creativity Counts
Public voters include individuals of all ages. Go for originality, craftsmanship, and overall “WOW factor.” Check out previous winners for inspiration.
Preservation Tips
To keep pumpkins fresh longer, coat cut edges with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil, or spray lightly with a bleach-water solution. Carve no more than 2-3 days prior to the event.
Pump up Promotion
Share photos of your pumpkin on your business’s social media and tag Downtown Morris Plains to boost visibility. These posts tend to see strong engagement so leverage your participation!
Think Outside the Pumpkin
Etching, 3D carving, or clever use of props can make your design stand out.
