Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Enumclaw will not be closing down Cole Street this year to allow crowds of trick-or-treaters to visit local businesses for their candy.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be any Halloween fun happening downtown.

In lieu of trick-or-treating, the city is hosting a pumpkin carving contest on Halloween night, with entries being displayed on Cole Street for families and shoppers to enjoy as they traverse downtown.

This competition, organized by City Councilmember Chance La Fleur, will have five different age categories: ages 5 to 8, 9 to 12, 13 to 16, 17 to 20, and 21-plus. Prizes will be given to the winners of each age group.

The 5 to 8 age group is encouraged to decorate their pumpkin with paint and other art supplies.

Check-in for the competition will be noon to 2 p.m. at the vacant lot on Cole and Myrtle, and judging will occur between 2 and 3 p.m. by La Fleur, local pumpkin carving master David Hauge, Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro, Enumclaw Chamber CEO Troy Couch, and Courier-Herald Editor Ray Miller-Still.

Pumpkins can then be picked up after 3 p.m. or left downtown for people to enjoy during the evening. Any pumpkins left out after 9 p.m. will be disposed.

To enter the contest, download the form below and submit it and the carved or decorated pumpkin to the Friday Night Market on Oct. 30.

The city of Enumclaw will be providing tea lights for the pumpkins.

Enumclaw Pumpkin Contest Registration by Ray Still on Scribd