Jack-O-Lantern Carnival celebrates fourth year with four new contests Hillary Darling Citizen Special Writer Chesaning. The Great Jack-O-Lantern Carnival is returning to the Saginaw County Fairgrounds for its fourth year on September 29-30 and October 6-7 with four new contests to the autumn festival; Amateur Rib Cook Off, Largest Pumpkin Contest, Scarecrow Contest (all on September 29) and a Baked Goods Contest (on October 6). Homemade scarecrows will be judged for a first place prize of $75. According to organizers, "all you need is a little imagination and a young heart." Second and third cash prizes will also be awarded. Friday the biggest pumpkin will be awarded a $30 Chesaning Chamber Gift Certificate. The first 20 entries in the Rib Cook Off will come off the grill for judging at 3 p.m. Participants may set up as early as 8 a.m. and are required to bring their own grill, ribs and supplies (Electricity provided if needed). Winner of the first prize for overall taste and presentation receives a $100 Ed Rehmann and Sons gift certificate, announced at 5 p.m. The Baked Goods Contest on October 6, sponsored by Franks Superstores in Chesaning and St. Charles, accepts a variety of entries, providing that the main ingredient is pumpkin. First prize is a $50 gift certificate from Franks. Each of the contests also have prizes for second and third place, in cash or gift certificates. "We wanted to expand," said organizer Rick Rehmann. "We've had people ask us about getting more, It is a wonderful event." Contest rules and regulations are available at the Chesaning Chamber of Commerce and Ed Rehmann and Sons store. The Carnival will also feature an arts and crafts show on both weekends. Organizers are still looking for more vendors to attend the event. The festival also features free kid's activities including a Coloring contest sponsored by The Tri-County Citizen, Pumpkin Painting, Pumpkin Rolling, Pumpkin Bowling, Face Painting, Costume Contest, Pedal Races and Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin. Retail displays and a farmer's market are also included in the festivities, as well as a car show on September 30. "The Great Jack-O-Lantern Festival is a family event this gives the adults something to do while the kids are having funäa safe family environment," said Rehmann. Admission is $3, children five and under are free; there is no parking fee. Camping is available on site. For more information, contact the Saginaw County Agricultural Society at (989)-845-2143 or the Chamber of Commerce at (800)-255-3055.
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