Hosted by Jack O’Lantern Glow at the Cincinnati Zoo presented by Medpace.
Calling all local schools! We’re inviting elementary, middle, and high school art departments to showcase their pumpkin-carving creativity at the Jack O’Lantern Glow at the Cincinnati Zoo. Each participating school will receive one foam pumpkin to carve or decorate for public display — and guests will vote for their favorite!
Provided by Jack O’Lantern Glow — foam pumpkins in a variety of shapes, given at random.
Mounted — each is attached to a wooden board for display purposes.
Lighting — pumpkins have a small hole in the back for a light provided by us.
Ownership — pumpkins remain the property of Jack O’Lantern Glow and may be displayed in future years.
Decorating Rules:
Decorate only the front (opposite the light hole).
No additional pumpkins may be attached.
Must remain attached to the provided board.
No vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate themes.
Have fun and get creative!
Use proper pumpkin carving tools or Dremel tools (with adult supervision).
Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the pumpkin.
Think creatively — carving, painting, and mixed media are encouraged.
Guest Voting: Visitors to Jack O’Lantern Glow at the Cincinnati Zoo will vote for their favorite pumpkin between October 3–30, 2025. Voting will be located via a QR code and pumpkins will be labeled for easy voting.
Winner Announcement: The winning school/class will be honored on October 31, 2025 with the Golden Gourd Award.
1 pumpkin per school – first come, first served while supplies last.
Pumpkins can be delivered to your school or picked up at our location.
Completed pumpkins must be returned by the designated deadline to be included in the showcase.
Sign-Up Opens: Immediately – limited availability!
Pumpkin Delivery: Arranged upon registration.
Display & Voting: October 3–30, 2025.
Winner Announced: October 31, 2025.
Official Rules & Terms
By participating in the Glow & Tell: Local High School Jack O’Lantern Showcase, schools agree to the following:
Pumpkins are provided by Jack O’Lantern Glow and remain its property.
Pumpkins may be displayed during and after the event, including in future years.
Designs must be appropriate for all ages — no vulgar, offensive, or political content.
One pumpkin per school; first come, first served while supplies last.
Jack O’Lantern Glow reserves the right to remove any pumpkin that does not meet guidelines or is damaged.
Participation grants Jack O’Lantern Glow permission to photograph and display pumpkins in promotional materials.
Jack O’Lantern Glow is owned and designed by 1031 Productions, LLC in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Jack O’ Lantern Glow