Support Us Button Widget
Culture

See the winning pumpkin from our 2023 jack-o-lantern contest

The votes are in, check out the winner of the NOOGAtoday Pumpkin Carving Contest.

October 19, 2023 • 
Emily Shea-Owen, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A person holds a jack-o'-lantern in their lap, carving out the top of the pumpkin.

Don’t forget that you can roast pumpkin seeds in the oven for a crunchy fall snack.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels

Table of Contents
Winner: "Brace Face" by Candace I.
Finalist: "POW!!👊" by Terry N.
Finalist: "Crazy Conjoined Pumpkin Head" by Renee T.
Finalist: "Pumpkinvasion" by Anne D.
Finalist: "Little Pumpkin House" by Chloe H.

The votes are in for the NOOGAtoday Pumpkin Carving Contest (374 to be exact). Check out the pumpkins below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.

NOOGAtoday | Pumpkin finalist No. 4

“Brace Face”

Photo submitted by Candace I.

Winner: “Brace Face” by Candace I.

This adorable pumpkin was voted as this year’s winner.

NOOGAtoday | Pumpkin finalist No. 2

“POW!!👊”

Photo submitted by Terry N.

Finalist: “POW!!👊" by Terry N.

An honorable mention for our runner-up. This pumpkin carving took some serious skill.

NOOGAtoday | Pumpkin finalist No. 1

“Crazy conjoined pumpkin head”

Photo submitted by Renee T.

Finalist: “Crazy Conjoined Pumpkin Head” by Renee T.

This pumpkin is giving us some serious “Stranger Things” demogorgon vibes.

NOOGAtoday | Pumpkin finalist No. 3

“Pumpkinvasion”

Photo submitted by Anne D.

Finalist: “Pumpkinvasion” by Anne D.

We think these pumpkins are pretty out of this world and love the creative spaceship this reader made.

NOOGAtoday | Pumpkin finalist No. 5

“Little Pumpkin House”

Photo submitted by Chloe H.

Finalist: “Little Pumpkin House” by Chloe H.

Incoming wholesome fun fact: this submission was actually created by Chloe H.'s 5-year-old son who wanted to make a space for his tiny pumpkin.

More from NOOGAtoday
A satellite image of Chattanooga from above with four blue lines heading out to the edge of the screen north, east, south, and west.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Chattanooga’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of NOOGA, cities across the world await.
October 20, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Screen Shot 2019-01-23 at 2.24.11 PM
City
Your guide to burn permits in Hamilton County
Brush piling up? Here’s what to know before you light it up this burn season.
October 16, 2025
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Cozy bookstore with a coral door, striped umbrella, and vibrant flower display. "Books Are Magic" sign evokes a whimsical, inviting atmosphere.
Arts
UTC professor takes solo journey to explore family history
Now, Karen Babine is sharing what she learned about identity, belonging, and the past.
October 15, 2025
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Illuminated pumpkins with carved faces glow warmly in a wooded area. Strings of white and blue lights hang from trees, creating a spooky, festive atmosphere.
City
12 ways to celebrate Halloween in Chattanooga
Whether you’re after family fun or adult thrills, here are some spooky events still happening this month.
October 14, 2025
 · 
Sarah Dickson
A group of construction workers in safety vests and helmets walk across a large, muddy construction site. Buildings and hills are visible under a cloudy sky.
Entertainment
Six months out: A look inside Erlanger Park
From seating and snacks to preserved history, here’s what to expect at the new home of the Chattanooga Lookouts.
October 13, 2025
 · 
Sarah Dickson
The Sunsphere overlooks a green lawn, pedestrian bridge, and babbling brook.
Culture
Hit the road: An outdoors adventure to Knoxville, TN
Check out our tips for what to do, where to eat, and places to stay in the Scruffy City.
October 9, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
City
Massive wastewater project coming into view in Chattanooga
How the $153M e2i2 project will help keep local waterways clean during heavy rain.
October 8, 2025
 · 
Sarah Dickson
White and orange pumpkins stacked in a field in front of a barn
Travel and Outdoors
Go picking in these pumpkin patches around Chattanooga
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.
October 7, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A white house porch with a 'Highland Park Porchfest' banner and an American flag. A vibrant Pride flag hangs on the railing, surrounded by plants.
Culture
What to expect at this year’s Highland Park Porchfest
See your neighbor’s porch become a stage at this annual festival, offering free live music.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Kristen Templeton
NOOGAtoday | Creative Discovery Museum
Play
Chattanooga’s must-see museums
Chattanooga has an incredibly rich history that is showcased in museums throughout the area. From the Hunter Museum of American Art to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, pay a visit to these various spots to learn all there is to know about the Scenic City.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Staff