The Killam and Viking RCMP Detachments are holding a pumpkin carving contest for area youth 17 and under this October. After the success of the birthday greetings program the Killam Detachment members did earlier this year, Corporal Trent Cleveland, Acting Commander recently went to his members and office staff for ideas for a new way to engage the community.

Admin staff member Debra Albers suggested a pumpkin carving contest, Cleveland says, and the Detachment members ran with it.

There will be three categories: traditional, scariest, and most unique. Cleveland says even smaller children can draw a traditional jack-o-lantern design, which he says parents can then cut out for them.

Participants will bring their carved pumpkin entries to the detachment starting Monday, Oct. 26, where they will complete an entry form and have their photos take with their pumpkins. Members will put all the entries on display at the Detachment, and Cleveland says, “I hope the entire Detachment yard is filled with them.”

The last day to enter will be Thursday, Oct. 29, and the detachment members will do the judging and award the prizes on Oct. 30. Participants can then pick up their pumpkins and take them home for Halloween, or the detachment members can dispose of them.

Cleveland says that the contest has already created some buzz in the community, and community sponsors have come forward to enhance the contest with additional prizes and other support.

Prizes include gift cards, and RCMP apparel, with the winners receiving certificates, and an RCMP coin.

“We have four newer members at the detachment,” says Cleveland, “and this is a way for them to meet more people in the community.”

Cleveland says he already has an idea for another community contest for Christmas, too.

Cleveland says the Viking community, too, has stepped up to sponsor the contest there, and that he’s gratified to see so much support from both communities.

Read the FULL STORY in the latest edition of The Weekly Review – on newsstands now, or buy the single issue online right now!

Print is still the most effective medium. Attract LOCAL customers by supporting LOCAL media.

ADVERTISE!

ads@weeklyreview.ca

Leslie Cholowsky
Staff Reporter