2014 Readers’ Choice winner – Dragon pumpkin carved by Bimal Desai.

The leaves are turning and that familiar fall nip is in the air. It’s time to start thinking about pumpkin carving.

The 5th Annual West Philly Local Pumpkin Carving Contest runs from October 15 through October 31, 2015. All ages are welcome to participate. As always, we’ll have some great prizes from local businesses. Our partners this year are Curio Theatre, Greensgrow Farms, Lil’ Pop Shop, Local 44, Mariposa Food Coop, Renata’s Kitchen, and VIX Emporium.

We’re now accepting snapshots of your carved pumpkins.

Submit a snapshot of your pumpkin by email (contest@westphillylocal.com) that includes your name, address (West Philly residents only please), and age (if you are entering the Kids category). Be sure to get a good photo that shows off your pumpkin’s best features. Note: One entry per person.

Winners will be selected in the following categories:

• Scariest
• Funniest
• Kids (12 and under)
• Best Philly-themed
• Readers’ Choice (grand prize)

The entry deadline is 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice will run on October 31 – November 2. The winners will be announced on November 3.

If you need ideas check out the pumpkins entered in our previous contests here.

If you’re a local business and want to support the contest, please email us: editor@westphillylocal.com