Bring your best homegrown or decorated pumpkins to compete at the Whitley County Harvest Moon Festival
(Talk of the Town photo by Mahri Romano) Pumpkins have a special place at the annual Whitley County Harvest Moon Festival, scheduled for this Saturday, October 16, in downtown Columbia City. Whether they're homegrown or decorated, bring yours and compete for prizes!
By Jennifer Zartman Romano 
You'll already find them decorating the stoops and porches of homes across Whitley County, their bright orange glow beaming alongside much of the yet-green bushes and landscaping -- pumpkins!
Whether you grow them or enjoy decorating them, plan to participate in the third annual Whitley County Harvest Moon Festival’s pumpkin contest.
Bring your homegrown pumpkin or your own festively decorated pumpkin. Separate categories will be set up for homegrown Whitley County pumpkins and also for pumpkins that have been decorated in some way.
Pumpkin entries should arrive at 9 a.m. near the west entrance to the Whitley County Courthouse, where they will be put on display. Judges will select winners and announcements will be made by 11 a.m. A panel of judges will begin evaluating the entrees and award prizes for the biggest, smallest, best decorated and Whitley County’s Best pumpkin.
A one-time entry fee of $5 will be charged and individuals may submit up to three entries.
All proceeds from this contest will support the Columbia City Farmers Market. This will be the final Saturday of the Columbia City Farmers Market for the 2010 season.