Open to All Ages, birth to 101!
Decorate a mini pumpkin inspired by your favorite book, movie, or television character and see it displayed in the Roosevelt Room from October 28 through November 5!
Participation & Rules
To participate:
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Pick up a Pumpkin Kit at the Circulation Desk beginning on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
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Kit includes a mini pumpkin, a copy of the rules and dates, Pumpkin ID form, and 6" paper plate.
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If you are unable to get to the library, please contact Casey at 978-897-1010 x102.
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Decorate your mini pumpkin to look like a book or movie character, a scene from a movie, a book cover, or a famous person. (We'll pair it with its inspiration for the Art Show!)
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Return the decorated mini pumpkins & a completed Pumpkin ID Form to the Circulation Desk anytime the Library is open before 5:00pm on Monday, October 19, 2026
OR
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Come to a Pumpkin Decorating Event. Pumpkins and a variety of decorating supplies will be available at the event. All in-person decorating will be held in the Storytime Room on the 3rd Floor.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 11:00am - 3:00pm
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Decorate your mini pumpkin to look like a book or movie character, a scene from a movie, a book cover, or a famous person. (We'll pair it with its inspiration for the Art Show!)
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Leave your decorated mini-pumpkin and completed Pumpkin ID Form at the Library when you are done.
Rules:
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One mini pumpkin per person or group.
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You can decorate as an individual, group, family, or team.
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NO HOLES!!! To avoid rotting pumpkins, please do not cut, carve, or hollow out your pumpkin. Do not attach items such as pipe cleaners or toothpicks by poking them into the pumpkin.
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No candles or electrical devices, including battery operated.
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No vulgarity of any kind permitted - this is a family art show!
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Objects, paper, and materials of any kind except food may be glued to the pumpkins. You can also paint or draw on your pumpkins.
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Your decorated pumpkin should fit on the plate included in the Pumpkin Kit. You are welcome to decorate the plate.
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Fill out the entire Pumpkin ID form. Lost the one from your kit? You can print one below or ask for a copy when you return your pumpkin.
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If you would like to pick up your pumpkins after they've been displayed, they will be available beginning Monday, November 10. The last day to pick up your pumpkin will be Saturday, November 15. Please note, any pumpkins that rotted prior to the pick-up deadline will be thrown out (because, yuck) and any pumpkins not picked up by 5:00 pm on the 15th will be thrown out.
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Staff reserve the right to reject any pumpkins that do not follow these rules!
Dates
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Wed October 7: Pumpkin Kits will be available at the Circulation Desk anytime the Library is open, while supplies last. Contact Casey at 978-897-1010 x102 if you are unable to pick-up a kit during those times.
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Tues October13: In-person Pumpkin Decorating Event, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, in the Storytime Room
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Sat October 17: In-person Pumpkin Decorating Event, 11:00am - 3:00pm, in the Storytime Room
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Thur October 8 - Mon October 19, 2026: Pumpkins and completed Pumpkin ID Forms can be dropped off at the Circulation Desk anytime the library is open. All Pumpkins are due by 5:00pm on October 19.
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Tues October 28 - Thur November 5, 2026: The 8th Annual Maynard Library Pumpkin Decorating Art Show will be on display in the Roosevelt Room.
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Fri November 6 - Wed November 12, 2026: Take your pumpkins home! Any pumpkins left unclaimed will be thrown out.
Forms
Click on the links to download or open a pdf version of the Pumpkin ID Form and Rules.
Pumpkin ID Form
2026 Participation, Rules, & Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a pumpkin provided by the library?
Absolutely not! You are more than welcome to use a mini pumpkin or gourd you purchase yourself.
What ages can participate?
Any age! We encourage children, teens, and adults to decorate a pumpkin for the show.
Does the Pumpkin Decorating Kit come with decorating supplies?
No, you will have to supply your own decorations. The kit comes with a copy of the rules & dates to know, a Pumpkin ID Form, a small paper plate, and a mini pumpkin.
Can I decorate my pumpkin any way I want?
Sort of. You can use anything (except food and electrical devices, and no poking holes!) to decorate your pumpkin, but it should be inspired by or made to look like a book, historical/famous figure, movie, musical artist/album/song, or artwork so it we can display that inspiration with your pumpkin during the show!
If I picked up a kit, do I need to bring everything in the kits back?
The dates/rules form and undecorated plate, no. Your pumpkin, YES!!! Your pumpkin with a completed ID Form must be returned to the library by 5pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
I want to decorate my pumpkin at an In-Person Decorating Event? Do I need a kit?
No! Pumpkins, ID Forms, and a wide variety of arts and crafts supplies will be available!
What if I take a kit and change my mind?
If you take a kit and realize you don't want/can't make an entry or you don't need the kit supplies, we would appreciate if you bring the kit back so it can be used by someone else. If you decide you want to make something at an In-Person Decorating Event, we would appreciate it if bring your kit with you.
