POLAND — Excelsior Grange plans to sponsor a pumpkin-growing contest in October.

People can get free seeds by calling 207-998-2301, and plant and take care of the pumpkins over the summer.

As soon as the pumpkins grow a few inches across, growers can scratch a design on them so the design will grow with the pumpkins, according to a news release from the Grange.

Participants can bring one pumpkin to the Grange at 446 Harris Hill Road by noon Saturday, Oct.15, for judging.

There are two age groups, 5-8 and 9-12, and two categories, best pumpkin art work and largest pumpkin, with a $10 prize for each.

Participants should plant seeds by the end of June.

Pumpkins like warm soils and may not germinate if planted too early. If they don’t germinate, growers can call for more seeds while the supply lasts.

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