A pumpkin carving contest conducted by Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce under the sponsorship of Valley Rubber LLC will benefit the John Mark Stallings Special Needs Accessible Playground of Morgan County (SNAP).

The contest is open to anyone and there is no limit on how many one person can enter, according to HACC President Susan Hines. The entry fee is $10 per pumpkin.

Proceeds will be used to help finance the third and final construction phase of the SNAP project.

“This is another way we can showcase the awesome talents of the people of Hartselle and Morgan County and give SNAP a financial boost at the same time,” Hines stated. “We know kids will be excited about the competition but it’s not just open to kids. Adults can enter, too.”

Carved pumpkins will be accepted at the chamber office on Railroad Street Mon., Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tues., Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon. They will be judged in five categories: “most creative,” “most traditional,” “spookiest,” “funniest” and “most team spirit.”

In addition, all entries will be placed in downtown businesses, where they will be subject to voting for first, second and third place “People’s Choice” awards. The three pumpkins receiving the most votes will be declared winners. Voting will begin on Thurs., Oct. 25, and continue until Mon., Oct. 29, at 5 p.m.

Cash prizes of $50, $30 and $20 along with ribbons will be awarded to first, second and third place winners, respectively, in each category.

Winners will be announced on Tues., Oct. 30, at 4 p.m.

For a complete set of contest rules, log on to www.hartsellechamber.com.