4-H challenge seeking best pumpkin creations

Families looking for new ways to have fun at home may consider registering for the 4-H Great Pumpkin Family Challenge.

The challenge is open to officially enrolled 4-H members in Jefferson and Pulaski counties, according to a news release from Pia Woods, agent and staff chair at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service.

Membership in 4-H is free and open to youth ages 5-19 years old and member enrollment can be completed at https://4h.uaex.edu/join/default.aspx.

Registration for the Great Pumpkin Challenge is open through noon, Friday, Oct. 23. Pumpkins will be provided to those registered and may be picked up Monday, Oct. 26, at the respective county Extension office.

A photograph of the entry is due back in the county offices by the close of business, Thursday, Oct. 29. Participants must send a picture of their family with their completed pumpkin to pwoods@uaex.edu (Jefferson County) or ewilliams@uaex.edu (Pulaski County).

There are three categories: painted, carved or decorated. The winner in each challenge category will receive a Walmart gift card, according to Woods.

“This activity, sponsored by the Jefferson and Pulaski County 4-H Foundations, is designed to meet one of the needs the 4-H Advisory sub-committees of both county programs prioritized for 2021,” Woods said. “Both committees discussed at great length the toll the covid-19 pandemic is having on youth and families and the need for families to use this ‘stuck at home’ time as an opportunity to bond and have fun together.”

Being involved in the 4-H Youth Development Program is a family affair.

“The family serves as the primary support system for member success. Parents/ guardians help 4-H youth as they learn about their chosen projects; provide transportation to and from 4-H meetings, camps, and activities; provide financial assistance as needed: and of course – serve as the 4-H member’s biggest cheerleader,” she said.

The goal is to have one 4-H family challenge each quarter.

For registration or details, call the Jefferson County Extension office at 870-534-1033 or the Pulaski County Extension office at 501-340-6650. People may also visit www.uaex.edu/Jefferson or www.uaex/Pulaski or https://4h.uaex.edu/.