Pumpkins on Parade
October 22nd – 25th
A Celebrate Local Together Event
Sponsored by Ms. Bossy Boots
Let’s bring some Halloween Spirit to Downtown Crystal Lake
It’s simple, safe and easy
Fill out and return the Participation Form
Carve your pumpkin, give it a name, and have some fun
Make sure to put your entry number on the back
Drop off your pumpkin at your designated drop off time and location
Download or get a ballot and come out and vote on your favorite pumpkins
Come out on Sunday and see who won
(Winners will be notified by email)
Online Entry Form
Entries will be grouped by age. Currently, there are 5 age brackets, and the “Best Overall”, “Most Creative” and “Scariest” Pumpkin in each age group will be selected by popular vote. The age groups are:
1. Kindergarten and younger 4. High School
2. 1st thru 4th grades 5. Adults / Businesses / Organizations
3. 5th thru 8th grades
Please make sure to indicate what age bracket that your pumpkin will be judged in and provide an email address so we can send you your entry # and notify you of any changes to drop off times and locations.
Once we receive the completed Participation Form a unique entry number for your pumpkin will be emailed to you. Your entry number will be used for voting and will be displayed with your pumpkin along with its name Thursday thru Saturday for viewing and voting, and to Sunday showcase the winners in each age group.
Submit your completed participation form by filling out our online form, or dropping off the printed form at Ms. Bossy Boots.
The number of entries is limited by the available space. Please apply as early as possible so if needed we can obtain additional space to showcase your pumpkin. Entries will be processed in the order they are received.
Questions and Answers:
What is Pumpkins on Parade? It is a pumpkin carving event for the Crystal Lake Community open to ALL individuals (of any age) and groups/businesses. In other words, anyone can create and enter a pumpkin.
Is there a cost to participate? There is no cost to this event but you will need to supply your own pumpkin(s).
Who can enter? This event is open to all members of the Crystal Lake community. Entries can be by individuals, families, businesses, or community groups.
If I have more than 1 child can each have their own entry? We are encouraging this to be a family fun event so if every member of the family wanted to carve their own pumpkin and submit it that would be awesome.
How do I enter? Fill out the online participation form or printable form.
What do I need to do? Simply fill out the participation form and submit it. You will receive a return email with your entry number. Carve your pumpkin, make it fun, make it special, make it yours. Name your creation fo example; “Old One Tooth”, “Saw Face”, “Mr. P” “Bert”, you get the idea. Put the entry number on the back of the pumpkin so we know who’s it is (black permanent marker is recommended) and put the entry number and name on a 5” x 8” notecard to display with your entry. If you don’t have a notecard no worries we will have them when you drop off your pumpkin.
When and where do I drop off my Pumpkin? Carved Pumpkins are to be dropped off at Ms. Bossy Boots (23 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake) on Wednesday 10/21 between Noon and 6 pm and on Thursday 10/22 from 8:00 am until Noon. In order to maintain a safe environment for dropping off entries additional locations and times may be added based on the total number of pumpkins entered in the event.
Why am I doing this? To have some fun in these stress-filled times and show your Halloween Spirit in a covid-safe way.
Who will do the judging? The judging will be done by popular vote. Any and all members of the community of any age are encouraged to participate in selecting the “Best Overall”, “Most Creative” and “Scariest” pumpkin in each age group. Votes will be cast by ballot from Thursday to Saturday and winners will be announced on Sunday.
Where do I get a ballot and submit it? Ballots will be available at Ms. Bossy Boots (And other Participating Downtown Crystal Lake Locations) Thursday 10/22 thru Saturday 10/24 or can be downloaded from the Ms. Bossy Boots website. Ballots can be submitted at Ms. Bossy Boots (and other locations) during normal business hours Thursday thru Saturday.
What can I win? The intent of this event is to have some fun and show your Halloween Spirit in a covid-safe way. So bragging rights, with the exception of “Best Overall”. Ms. Bossy Boots has donated a $20.00 Gift Certificate for the “Best Overall” winner of each age group.
Can I get my pumpkin back so I can put it out for Halloween week? Pumpkins will be available for pickup on Sunday from 3:00pm until 6:00 pm. We will begin cleaning up the event at 6:00 so any pumpkins left after 6:00 will be composted.