Pumpkin contest draws kids

Trying to walk through the Mineral County Library Wednesday afternoon was like trying to swim though a pool of oatmeal, with dozens of children, parents and library volunteers filling the building to the brim for the annual pumpkin-decorating contest.

“When we’re asking for money to extend the building next year, you’ll know why,” said Leslie Heppe, a member of Friends of the Mineral County Library.

Late last month the Friends of the Mineral County Library completed renovations on the building, creating a new children’s room, computer room and coffee room. Earlier this month children visited the library for a Sesame Street party to commemorate their new reading room.

Many of the children that attended the Sesame Street celebration were in attendance at the library’s pumpkin-decorating contest.

Children were provided with pumpkins, paint, glue and other supplies to create their very own Halloween masterpieces.

Children 12 and under participated in the event, and there were categories for youngsters 7 to 12 years old and 6 years old and under.

West End Mineral County Commissioner candidates Duane Simons and Curtis Cochran were scheduled to be the judges for the event. However, Simons could not attend and this reporter was drafted into the pumpkin-judging frenzy. Decisions could be difficult.

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” Cochran said.

While the judging took place, children were read stories from the library’s bookshelves picked out by Sylvia New and Michelle Parkin.

Out of the menagerie of pumpkins, first, second and third place winners were chosen for each category.

The third place winners were given special Halloween socks, the second place winners were given a choice of several battery-operated Halloween toys and the first place winners got a $10 gift certificate to the Mineral County Pharmacy.

In the six years old and under category Bailey Millender took third place with her pumpkin decorated with lace, yarn and other objects.

Molly Patko won second place with her pirate-themed pumpkin. Patko chose a set of wiggling spooky eyeballs for her prize.

Seth Richards won first place in his category with a pumpkin sporting a sinister black mustache.

In the seven years old and older category Sophie Krutilla took third place with a pumpkin decorated with a smiling face and a bow.

Maddie Courser took second place with her pumpkin decorated with bushy black eyebrows. Courser chose a spooky wiggling ghost as her prize.

First place for the seven years old and older category went to Aiden Patko, whose pumpkin was adorned with a stunning yellow handlebar mustache and a pirate hat.

Teamwork may have played a big part in the victories for both of the Patko children. The brother and sister team could be seen side-by-side the hole afternoon helping each other come up with creative decorating techniques for their pumpkins.

“All of the pumpkins looked really great," Cochran said.