MENDOTA - For the second time, Graves-Hume Public Library will host a family pumpkin decorating contest project this fall. Participants are invited to come in starting this week to collect a pumpkin to decorate and enter in “The Great Library Pumpkin Contest.”

This year, the pumpkins are generously being donated by Henry & Eleanor’s Garden in Sublette. The library asks that families pick up a pumpkin provided by the library and then decorate it in any way you choose with any materials you choose. Please note, carved pumpkins will not be accepted. There is a limit of one pumpkin per family. No library card is required to participate.

Due to the extreme popularity of the event last year, the library decided to go even bigger. Carolynn Ohlendorf, Youth Services Manager at Graves-Hume Public Library said it was very exciting seeing how involved the community got in the contest. “We had some truly amazing designs and several favorites,” she said. “At a time when there was so little offered to families due to the pandemic, this contest provided a safe activity and also a great family bonding project. It was such a success we knew we had to do it again but bigger.”

Each participating family should bring their decorated pumpkin back to the library no later than Wednesday, Oct. 13. The community will then vote on their favorite from Oct. 13 through Oct. 27. The library will award prizes of a Mendota Chamber Bucks gift card to the two pumpkins getting the most votes. All children who participate will also receive a participation prize.

For more information, please call the library at (815) 538-5142.