Adrienne Bosworth — bartender, graduate student, organizer of sweet events — is the core of this contest which was open to anyone of age to drink with a pumpkin. “This is our second annual contest. People come, drink beer, carve pumpkins and then everyone in the bar votes on the best carved. We have prizes too!” Bosworth won last year but claims the contest wasn’t rigged. “The voting is anonymous” she explains. When asked about her pumpkin carving style and strategy for another victory Bosworth reports that “I just freestyle. And I like to carve teeth. That’s my secret weapon.”
The group carved for about two hours while drinking seasonal beers, enjoying the fading fall light, and even a hot dog here and there from Shady Dawgs who was serving up it Chicago style down the street (for free). The festivities moved inside where patrons evaluated the pumpkins and voted on their favorites. The votes were counted and winners announced. First place went to the raccoon, second to the star trooper, and third to the classic pumpkin. First prize was a bottle fo SoCo and a Quality t-shirt. 2nd and 3rd places received Halloween decorations and glow sticks.
A storm trooper in the works
Tools of the trade
Shady’s Dawgs
A masterpiece in the making. Hand drawn, no stencil.
Teeth!
A beautiful fall night
Best decorated bar for Halloween?
First place prize
Voting
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
It was also Bosworth’s birthday. Happy birthday!
The pumpkins will stay up in Quality “until they get disgusting,” so check them, and other sweet decorations, out when you’re downtown.