Pumpkin contest coming to East Dundee Oct. 27

The Dundee Township Visitor's Center, 319 N. River St. in East Dundee, is hosting its ninth annual Great Pumpkin Contest on Oct. 27.

Deadline for entry is noon that day; judging will begin at noon for the Largest Pumpkin (by weight), and the Best Decorated or Carved Pumpkin.

This year, contest organizers also added a kids' category for kids ages 12 and younger who want to carve and/or decorate a pumpkin.

First- to third-place prizes will be awarded for each category. Prizes include over $1,000 worth of merchandise, and gift certificates from area merchants and restaurants.

The contest is sponsored by the Dundee Township Visitor's Center ("the Depot"), and there is no fee to enter. Entries may be dropped of between 8 a.m. and noon Oct. 27.

Oct. 27 is also the last Saturday of the season for the Old Dundee Farmers Market, which takes place each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the depot grounds. The market features locally grown flowers and produce, baked goods, and a flea market with about 40 vendors each week. For details, call (847) 426-2255.