If you have an eye for sculpture and work well with sharp objects, enter the Pumpkin Carving Contest at the New Mexico Pumpkin Festival. The sky is the limit; go traditional jack-o-lantern or Martha Stewart. Pumpkins can be purchased at the maze for $4; groups wishing to submit a large number of entries can apply for a donation of pumpkins by emailing specific request to Dawn@HelpingHandsEvents.com. Carved pumpkins must be turned in at the Mesilla Valley Maze on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 between 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Pumpkins will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, and skill in three categories: 12 and under, Teen, & Adult. Prizes in each category will be awarded by the Pumpkin Princess at 6:00 pm on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 and then all of the entries will be lit for the Pumpkin Glow.

You knew that talent would come in handy some day, didn't you? Pucker up, aim well, and spit! Contestants aim for the bulls-eye and gather points for each of the 10 seeds as they make it into each ring. No cost to enter, just a willingness to have fun. Rounds are conducted each day and prizes awarded for the best spitter in the kiddos (under 7), youth (8-16) and adult categories.

How do you accurately roll or toss an odd-shaped, unbalanced gourd? That's for you to figure out....Join us for "shuffleboard" in the big tent. Roll or toss your fist-sized pumpkin down our shuffleboard and aim to get it as close as possible to the goal without going out. Prizes awarded each day in the kiddos (under 7), youth (8-16) and adult categories.

Can't get enough pumpkin and can't wait for Thanksgiving? Now's your chance-the whole pie is for you! No utensils, but you can use your hands. Eat the pie the fastest and you could earn the coveted Fastest Pumpkin Pie Eating in the West prize. Contest is held on Saturday & Sunday at 3:00 pm. Prizes are awarded each day. Tums not included.