State Farmers' Market's 'Great Pumpkin Day' Thursday

This year, the event will focus on the decorated pumpkin contest - the 30th annual for the market.

Posted 10:30 p.m. Oct 6, 2015 — Updated 10:30 p.m. Oct 6, 2015

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

The State Farmers' Market in Raleigh will host its annual Great Pumpkin Day this Thursday.

This year, the event will focus on the decorated pumpkin contest - the 30th annual for the market. Judging will start at 10 a.m., Thursday. Pumpkins will be set up for display so that shoppers can check them all out and get some ideas to try at home.

You can also shop the market, which features all sorts of pumpkins, along with apples and other seasonal produce. This is a fun, casual way to spend a couple of hours.

It's free. And anybody can enter the pumpkin contest, which might be a fun activity for kids who are homeschooled or on track out this week. Entries will be accepted from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, and 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Thursday. You get a prize just for entering.

Pumpkins, which can be carved and/or painted, will be judged based on how their color and shape are used and the creative use of paint and other supplies, for instance. Judges also will be looking to make sure the pumpkins aren't damaged, bruised or have insect damage. Details are on the market's Facebook page.

The market is at 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh, just off the Interstate 40 exit for Lake Wheeler Road.

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