Students Participate in Pumpkin Contest
By Jason Jones
Messenger Reporter
GRAPELAND – A great big yellow school bus pulled alongside the front entrance to Brookshire Brothers on Thursday, and out poured a crowd of excited Grapeland Elementary School students, ready to enjoy the fruits of their labor after submitting entries for the Great Pumpkin Contest of 2021.
The entries were all displayed near the entrance of Brookshire Brothers, in small groups separated by grade. There were scary pumpkins, funny pumpkins, and everything in between. Iron Man sat next to a scary witch. Sponge Bob was situated next to a big box of popcorn. There was even a giant Puffer Fish covered in enough candy corn to spike a hippo’s blood sugar. A few entries paid tribute to loved ones while others celebrated the traditional images of the spooky season. Just about everything was represented in the beautifully decorated pumpkins.
Lisa Magles of Grapeland State Bank was on hand to help judge the contest. “These are amazing! Such awesome work went into these. It’s going to be tough to pick a winner,” said Magles.
As it turns out, the judges would need to choose three winners, as Brookshire Brothers planned to award First, Second, and Third place prizes from all the entries ranging from Kindergarten to Fourth Grade.
Just as the kids were getting settled in, all eyes were drawn to the front door. As if he (or she?) were making a Broadway entrance, out came the big Brookshire Brothers Chicken in all its glory. The chicken mingled with the excited crowd of happy kids, exchanging hugs and posing for pictures. The chicken then led the crowd in the “Chicken Dance” and the “Baby Shark Dance,” both of which were a huge hit.
The event was a smashing success with everyone feeling like a big winner. Grapeland Elementary will surely be cranked up to level ten in anticipation of Halloween festivities and Trick or Treating which are just a few days away.
Grapeland, get your candy ready.
Jason Jones may be reached via email at [email protected]
