For many months now, Fall Foliage Festival organizers in Boothbay have been collaborating with the volunteers who plan the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta just a few miles up the road. One of the results is the addition of the pumpkin carving contests to the stage schedule for this year’s fair.

Entering the pumpkin carving contest is just a $5 fee and includes a pass for free admission to the festival, a steam train ticket, and your 10-12 pound pumpkin to carve and take home. Registration forms are available on the event page on the Museum’s website. Contestants can register in advance or at the door until all pumpkins have been spoken for.

All pumpkin carving must occur onsite between 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. Contestants can use less time, starting late or finishing early. Tools are not provided so be sure to bring all of your favorite tools from home. Electricity will even be available for those who might want to bring drills, Dremels and other power tools (bring your own extension cord too!).

The judges for the contest include Maine State Rep. Stephanie Hawke, cake artist Patricia Moroz of Starlight Custom Cakes and a member of the official Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta Committee. The judges will review all entries at 3 p.m. with the award announcement beginning at 3:30 p.m.

There are three categories: children, adults and professional artists. Prizes will be awarded in all categories. One of the grand prizes is a pair of Round Trip tickets between any two stations serviced by the Amtrak Downeaster, donated by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority. Local business have contributed lots of other fabulous prizes including a $40 gift certificate for Edgecomb Potters, a gift certificate for an oil change at Hawke Motors, a delightful whale pillow from On Board Fabrics, a Hannaford gift bag, a Halloween tin filled with popcorn from Coastal Maine Popcorn Company, a framed print from Wilson Hall Antiques in Hallowell, a $25 gift certificate to Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters, a bottle tote from Casual Interiors, a gift from The Animal House in Damariscotta, a $25 gift certificate from the Coastal Dog, a $100 gift certificate from Reny Construction, a $25 gift certificate from Pinkham’s Seafood, with more prizes expected to be added by the weekend.

All ages and skill levels are welcome. Contact the Boothbay Railway Village for more information at 207-633-4727, or online at www.railwayvillage.org. The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay.