What a gourd idea: Pumpkin-carving contest aims to pump up Crimson Tide fans

The University of Alabama wants folks to put a little Crimson Tide spirit into Halloween again this year.

For the sixth year, UA is holding the Crimson Carving Contest and the rules are as easy as pumpkin pie.

Submit a photo of your Alabama-themed pumpkin to social@ua.edu along with with your name and location. Pumpkins must be real and must be carved. Entries must be the sole work of the contestant.

The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. Oct. 30.

The contest is open to all UA fans in the U.S. and the winners will be declared on Halloween through UA’s social media platforms.

The contest is open to all UA fans in the U.S. and the winners will be declared on Halloween through UA’s social media platforms.

Pumpkins must feature an image related to the University of Alabama. Some ideas include the school's script "A" logo, the elephant mascot Big Al or phrases like "Roll Tide."

Contestants are also encouraged to pump up their creativity. Past entrants have shown outside-the-gourd thinking by featuring a carving of the Million Dollar Band logo or an image of Nick Saban, the Alabama football coach who will mark his 71st birthday on Oct. 31.

One of last year's winning entries showed a UA pumpkin about to eat a smaller pumpkin with an Auburn University logo.

Carving templates, along with the complete contest rules, are also available online at news.ua.edu/2022/10/the-pumpkins-have-eyes.

Contestants are encouraged to show off their Alabama-themed pumpkins on social media and include a tag for the University of Alabama and the hashtag #CrimsonCarvingContest.

Follow UA’s social media for judging and prize information.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Halloween pumpkin-carving contest aims to pump up Crimson Tide fans