Carve out a piece of National Pumpkin Day

October 26 marks the annual celebration of National Pumpkin Day! From recipes to regattas, we have you covered.

Seven-year-old Payton Gillott, of Hantsport, didn’t mind getting her hands sticky as she competed in the 4-H pumpkin Olympics race that was held along the Windsor waterfront to coincide with the pumpkin regatta Oct. 19. - Carole Morris-Underhill

The people's pumpkin curry

Do those October pumpkins some justice and warm up your kitchen with this rich and comforting pumpkin curry recipe from Rebecca Sly, the executive chef to PEI’s lieutenant governor.

Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry, left, says when it comes to hiring an executive chef for Government House, the person not only has to deal with a lot of various types of meals but people with various types of dietary requirements. Perry, a diabetic, said new hire Rebecca Sly has done a wonderful job of making sure she eats right. - Dave Stewart

Seeds to snacks

Not sure what to do what all those leftover seeds from your pumpkin-carving endeavors? Embrace the zero-waste movement and check out this homemade how-to guide for super-snackable roasted pumpkin seeds. We’ve included inspiration for all the flavours from savory to sweet.

Not gonna lie. About a quarter of these pumpkin seeds ended up in my belly before this picture was taken. The struggle is real, food friends. – Paul Pickett

Calling all creatives!

Get in touch with your creative side and show off those carving skills at this year’s annual Great Pumpkin Trail, returning to Open Hearth Park on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

The 6th annual Great Pumpkin Trail returns to Open Hearth Park on Oct. 29. Pumpkins can be dropped off at the concession building that day from 12-5 p.m. Viewing follows from 6-8 p.m. Staff of Nova Scotia Lands volunteer their time to the trail each year, including Tom Slade, who has been volunteering since the first trial in 2014. Slade, his children and grandchildren are shown, front row, left to right, Mitchell, Leah, Julia, Andrew, Savanah, Breanna, Angela, baby Madison, and David. In back are Jessica, Tom and Stephanie. - Contributed

Pumpkin people take over

Just in case you won’t get the chance to check out this quirky valley tradition, we’ve saved you the trouble by putting together a photo collection of the best of the best from this year’s Kentville Pumpkin People invasion.

The Flintstones were among the many pumpkin people in Memorial Park. - Sam Macdonald

Gourd regatta

The Windsor West Hants Pumpkin Regatta: So, they hollow out giant pumpkins, then race them along the Windsor waterfront and the first to cross the finish line is crowned the winner? Yes precisely. We have the full recap from this year’s 21st celebration of the event!