Pumpkin decorating contest to benefit UNICEF

By Alec Jennings
University News Service
October 24, 2008

The Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest is returning to Texas State University-San Marcos.

The University Bookstore, along with the LBJ Student Center Noontime Paseo Planning Committee, will be hosting the event beginning Monday, Oct. 27 and going through Thursday, Oct 30. Participants are invited to pick up a pumpkin at the LBJ Student Center, or bring their own, to carve or decorate to their liking. The pumpkins will then be displayed at the University Bookstore with donation boxes placed in front of them. Those earning the most in donations win.

The event has taken place for several years and is a tradition at Texas State. Lauren Williams with the University Bookstore said the contest is historically very popular.

"It's always successful. We usually have about 25 to 30 pumpkins," Williams said. "We have a lot of departmental participation as well as individual participation."

First, second and third place winners will be awarded trophies and bookstore gift cards of $75, $50 and $25 respectively.

This year's charitable contributions are inspired by Trick or Treat for UNICEF--a program that encourages people to canvas neighborhoods during the Halloween season to raise money for the cause. UNICEF is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide through advocacy, health, education and many other forms of grassroots and governmental cooperation and activities.

Public, faculty, staff and students are all invited and encouraged to participate.