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

And the winner is: “Always Waching” by reader Grey S.

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

Pick a pumpkin

The votes are in for our Pumpkin Carving Contest. Check out the pumpkins below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.

Always watching pumpkin entry kc today 2023 pumpkin carving intiative

Always Watching.

Photo Submitted by reader Grey S.

Winner: “Always Watching” by reader Grey S.

Why does it feel like somebody’s watching me? If you have this creepy pumpkin on your porch, you will know the answer. The attention to detail and the pure artistry of this pupil pumpkin made it catch our readers’ eyes.

Travis Kelce pumpkin submission pumpkin contest 2023

Travis Kelce

Photo submitted by reader Stefan F.

Finalist: “Travis Kelce” by reader Stefan F.

This pumpkin is of the man, the myth, the legend himself. Gotta love anything that celebrates our Chiefs tight end.

KC Pumpkin carving finalist 2023 football season

Football season

Photo submitted by reader Claire P.

Finalist: “Football Season” by reader Claire P.

We’re all about KC pride. What better way to show that love than with a Chiefs-themed pumpkin?

Honorable Mention: “Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce”

Taylor Swift 1987 pumpkin 2023 pumpkin initiative kctoday

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce inspired pumpkin

Submitted by reader Jacob E.

This pumpkin honors the KC couple of the hour — so how could we not mention it? Its painted piece showcases a singing Taylor Swift. We like to believe she is busy serenading her new beau.

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