Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest Set for Oct. 6 in Key Largo

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Divers can compete to wow judges with jolly jack-o-lanterns during the lighthearted 2018 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest scheduled Saturday, Oct. 6, in waters off Key Largo.

Strapped with dive knives as tools and creative ideas in their heads, crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, tasked with transforming the naturally buoyant pumpkins into masterful sculptures with frightening facial features.

As shreds of pumpkin flesh float away from the two-person teams’ knife-paring action, quick-swimming reef fish typically dart in for a nibble and a closer look.

The top three buddy teams that create pumpkins worthy of praise from the experienced judges (who double as the crew of the Amoray Diver dive boat) can win prizes including a dive trip for two and fashionable swag.

Divers can join the fun at Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort, located at mile marker 104.5. Entry fee is $85 per certified diver for the two-location dive including tanks, weights and snorkel equipment.

Check-in is at 8 a.m. and the boat departs at 8:30 a.m. Space is limited, so contestant divers are encouraged to sign up early for the special event.

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