🎃 Fall Creativity at the 2026 National Peanut Festival!
🌟 Festival Theme: “Ease On Down the Row”
Bring your imagination to life in the 2026 Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Contestants of all ages are invited to transform an artificial pumpkin into a colorful, creative work of art celebrating the National Peanut Festival.
🎨 Contest Rules
One entry per person
• Entries must be the contestant’s original work
• Paint, markers, crayons and decorative accessories may be used
• Artificial pumpkins only
• No carving or jack-o’-lanterns will be accepted
📅 Entry Drop-Off
Thursday, October 29, 2026
4:00–6:00 PM
Premium Exhibit Building at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds
Entries will not be accepted at any other time. Pre-registration is available online, and the completed entry form must accompany the pumpkin.
🏆 Judging
Each entry may receive up to 60 points:
Originality: 20 points
• Artistic Design: 20 points
• Use of the Festival Theme: 20 points
Classes are available for kindergarten through high school students, adults and special education students.
💰 Awards
Elementary classes: $20, $15 and $10
• Junior high, high school and adult classes: $25, $20 and $15
• Special education classes: $20–$25, $15–$20 and $10–$15
• Overall Grand Prizes: Rosette and $50 awarded to one adult, one student and one special education contestant
Pumpkins will be displayed in the Premium Exhibit Building during the Festival. Entries and prizes must be picked up Monday, November 16, from 4:00–6:00 PM. Pumpkins not collected by the deadline will be discarded.
📞 Questions? Contact Jimmy McKnight at (334) 798-2761.
🌐 Visit www.nationalpeanutfestival.com for registration information and complete contest details.
Show us how creatively you can “Ease On Down the Row” at the 2026 National Peanut Festival!