Ella's Friends to hold annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Ella's Friends, the support group for the Ella Johnson Memorial Library in Hampshire, will soon be having its annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

Beginning Oct. 1, pumpkins will be available for a suggested donation of $8 at the library, 109 S. State St., Hampshire.

The pumpkins must be decorated (not carved) as the character from a book.

Completed pumpkins must be returned to the library by Thursday, Oct. 24, to be judged for prizes.

They will be on display at the library through Halloween.

Funds raised from this contest will be used to purchase items or to support programs not in the library's regular budget.

In the past, the funds raised by Ella's Friends have been used to support the Summer Reading Program and to purchase such items as a sound system, a scanner, a bike rack and new furniture for the community room.

This year's contest is sponsored by Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch, 42W813 Reinking Road in Pingree Grove.

Ella's Friends is a 501(c)3 organization made up of dedicated local volunteers who help raise funds to support library services.

The Friends hold their regular meetings from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the library, 109 S. State St. in Hampshire. Volunteer with this fun group and coordinate communitywide activities like Chocolate Festival, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and book sales that generate income to support the library.

Interested in joining the Friends or volunteering for an event? Email ellasfriends@ellajohnsonlibrary.org or visit ellajohnsonlibrary.org/about-us/friends-group/.