Pumpkin Carving Contest
The 28th Annual Pumpkin Carving contest begins at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at Mixter Park, on the corner of Pine and E streets. Children ages 12 and under are eligible to participate in the contest. Age divisions are 5 and under, 6- to 7-year olds, 8- to 9-year-olds and 10- to 12-year-olds. Entries will be judged in two categories: Spookiest and Most Original.
Children must provide their own pumpkin and are asked to bring a plastic bag and newspaper to help with the clean up. For more information, call the City of Exeter’s Community Services/Recreation Department at 559-592-5262.
Miss Exeter Coronation
The Miss Exeter program is a way for young women to represent their community and a local business at events throughout the year, most notably the annual Fall Festival held each October, but also including the chamber’s annual banquet, mixers, Christmas Open House and the Full Bloom Garden Walk. During the program, each candidate is sponsored by a local business to introduce our youth to the business leaders of the community.
This year’s Miss Exeter will preside over the 105th annual Fall Festival Oct. 8-13. (INSIDE: A list of this year’s Miss Exeter candidates and their sponsoring businesses/organizations.)
One of the candidates will be crowned Miss Exeter during the Coronation Ceremony and Dinner held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8. Candidates will be judged on the following:
-Personal Essay (500-750 words) detailing her talents, school and community involvement, and future plans and goals which will be published in the Sun-Gazette and read by judges;
-Verbal Presentation (5-10 minutes) about herself to her sponsor;
-Sponsor Essay (250 words) detailing information she gathered from her sponsor;
-Participation (and cooperation) during the candidate process;
-Raffle Ticket sales for the Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to being crowned at the dinner, Miss Exeter will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Miss Exeter and her Court will all receive gift packets with items donated by local merchants and businesses as well as a lifetime of memories.
Miss Exeter and Court Mixer
The Exeter Chamber of Commerce Mixer hosted by the Bank of the Sierra at 1103 W. Visalia Road. Held to honor Miss Exeter and Court, the community is encouraged to join on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Family Fun Night
Family Fun Night follows the Pumpkin Carving Contest with games in the downtown area on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Parents can purchase a $3 wristband for their child and adults can participate in a drawing for prizes. Win a prize at every game! Games are scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at various downtown businesses. For more information, call the chamber at 559-592-2919.
Scarecrow Contest
October is full of stuff in Exeter, including the stuffing of scarecrows. The Exeter Chamber of Commerce wants to remind chamber members that scarecrows must be placed outside of their offices or businesses on Oct. 1 through the end of the month.
This year’s theme is “Family, Friendly, Fall, Fun.” If you were unable to attend the kick-off meeting, here are a list of requirements for scarecrows:
• All scarecrows must be displayed from Oct. 1 to 31.
• Scarecrows must be made from scratch.
• They may be stuffed with any material but flammable objects may not be used in the assembly.
• Scarecrows must be made in good taste. No entry will be accepted that reflects controversial, social or political situations.
Anyone can vote for their favorite scarecrow: 1) at a participating location; 2) at the chamber office; 3) by ‘liking’ your favorite on Facebook.com/exeterscarecrows; 4) or at any Fall Festival activity.
Winning scarecrows will be announced on Nov. 8 at the mixer for Exeter Hobbies. Best of show will receive their name on the perpetual trophy, $200 in chamber gift certificates and, of course, bragging rights!
First place in the organization/non-profit, business, and family/individual categories will receive $75 in gift certiciates. The winner of the youth group category will earn a private party at Exeter Hobbies. Second and third place winners in all categories will be presented with a plaque.
All winners will be recognized in the local newspaper, chamber newsletter, e-blast and on Facebook.
Participants must email two photos to [email protected] by Oct. 1. One photo must be of the creators with the scarecrow and the second photo of the scarecrow by itself. The Exeter Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for scarecrows while on display at your place of business.
For more information call 559-592-2919 or visit www.exeterchamber.com.
Fall Festivities
Saturday, Oct. 13 is an all day Fall Festival. Runners and walkers will make their way through town starting at 7 a.m. for the annual 10K run/2-mile walk and end with a pancake breakfast. The fall parade will ride on Pine Street at 10 a.m. followed by the ultimate party bank Run4Cover who will play live under the Exeter City Park gazebo from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Car collectors and enthusiasts alike will be able to show off and appreciate their rides at the 12th Annual Car & Bike Show at 11 a.m. Cars will be able to line E Street between Chestnut and Palm. Call the Exeter Chamber of Commerce for entry information at 592-2919.
