For the first time, as part of the Hooskow event, a Wood-Carved Jack-O-Lantern contest is underway, with chainsaw carvers doing their thing and area businesses getting in on the fun, as well!

Each of the nearly 50 chainsaw carvers participating in this year’s Hooskow is being asked to create an original Jack-o-lantern. The friendly competition doesn’t have a lot of rules, just that the Jack-o-lantern has to be carved out of wood, can be up to three feet high and no more than 20 inches in diameter.

“The carvers are already at work, and we’re seeing some really great, fun designs,” says Hooskow organizer and carver, Jeff Donoughe.

The carvers were asked to submit their completed Jack-o-lanterns by Thursday, says Donoughe, noting that Mike Saar of Saar’s Tree Service and Pizza City Bar & Grill will then load the entries onto a flatbed truck.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Pictured above and below are a few examples of the chainsaw carvings entered in the first Wood-Carved Jack-o-lantern Contest at this week’s Hooskow Chainsaw Carvers’ Event at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.

On Saturday, the Jack-o-lanterns will be highlighted in the Lock Haven Fire Department’s annual Halloween Parade at 10 a.m. in downtown Lock Haven.

From there, the Jack-o-lanterns will be transported back to the Hooskow at the fairgrounds, where a panel of judges will select the top 15 entries. People attending the Hooskow Saturday will also be able to see the carvings.

Donoughe says 15 area businesses are generously supporting the contest, and, after the Hooskow is over, each will receive one of the winning Jack-o-lanterns to display at their business.

The business sponsors include: Pizza City Bar & Grill; Traveling Timbers Properties LLC; Saar’s Tree Service LLC; Browns Hill Tavern & Motel; Action Equipment; The Cottage Family Restaurant; Tressler’s Truck & Auto Sales; Miller’s Gun Shop, Inc.; Bill’s Happy Camper RV Sales & Service; NAPA Auto Parts; Beech Creek Hotel; 64 Beer Store; Restless Oaks Restaurant; Haywood’s on the Green and the Twilight Diner.

“We want to thank these businesses for supporting the Hooskow and specifically the Jack-o-lantern contest,” says Donoughe. “Because of their involvement, we are able to offer something new this year.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED Pictured above and below are a few examples of the chainsaw carvings entered in the first Wood-Carved Jack-o-lantern Contest at this week’s Hooskow Chainsaw Carvers’ Event at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.

“The Hooskow is one of the largest and longest-running gatherings of carvers,” adds Donoughe. “We host artists from around the country; it’s a venue for carvers to showcase their wood carvings, their creativity and to put on a good show.”

The 11th annual Hooskow Chainsaw Carvers’ Event runs through Saturday at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. Admission is only $5, and visitors will be able to see carvers in action throughout the day.

There are carvings for sale, and people can watch speed carves. In addition, a public auction of carved items takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit www.Hooskow.com.