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This October, the Naperville Jaycees are presenting Hack the Jack, the area’s first pumpkin carving contest. Hack the Jack, will give contestants the chance to compete for cash prizes based on the first, second and third place pumpkin winners.To participate, area residents may carve pumpkins and submit them for judging by other locals visiting Naper Settlement from Friday, Oct. 20-Oct. 22 during normal business hours, and during All Hallow’s Eve. Pumpkins selected as first, second and third win cash prizes as well as those who voted for those pumpkins if drawn during the raffle. Raffle Tickets may be purchased below.

Winners will be announced on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Naperville Plaza in front of Language Star.

If you would like to enter your pumpkin into the contest, there is a $15 entry fee. Pumpkins must be brought to the parking lot behind the Martin Mitchell Mansion at Naper Settlement on Thursday, Oct. 19, 4:30-9 p.m. Your pumpkin must be fully carved and decorated prior to submission.

Vote For Your Favorite Pumpkin Now!

UPDATE:

1st Place – $250*

2nd Place – $150*

3rd Place – $100*

*Only paid votes are eligible to win money. Check back daily as the pot increases!

Regular entrance fees for Naper Settlement apply. Sunday, Oct. 22, is free for all ages from 1-4 p.m.

There are two ways to win Hack the Jack.

1. Submit a pumpkin for judging and collect enough votes to be awarded first, second or third place prizes.

or

2. Have voted for the pumpkins awarded first, second or third place and have your name drawn from the raffle of that winner.

You must purchase tickets to win the cash prizes.

How is the cash pot divided?
Like most 50/50 raffles, the Jaycees will keep 50 percent of the proceeds and the other 50 percent goes into the primary prize pot. The first place pumpkin wins half of the primary pot; second place wins 30 percent and third wins 20. Since there will be two first, second and third place winners, the pot will be divided evenly between the artist and the raffle winner.

Example: 100 pumpkin submissions at $15 = $1,500

200 tickets sold at $5 = $1,000

Total prize pot = $1250

• First place = $625
• Second Place = $375
• Third Place = $250

Allocation of prize money

• Pumpkin Artist
  • First Place = $312.50
  • Second Place = $187.50
  • Third Place = $125
• Winning Ticket Holder
  • First Place = $312.50
  • Second Place = $187.50
  • Third Place = $125

1. 1. The pumpkin must be 40 lbs. or less. This weight includes all attachments. Unattached props are not included in this weight amount, but no individual prop should weigh over 40 lbs.
   2. No toxic products can be used on the pumpkin.
   3. No flammable items can be sprayed on, or included with the pumpkin. This restriction includes candles or sparklers.
   4. No sharp objects allowed on the pumpkin. All attachments or props should be sanded or filed down.
   5. No offensive, discriminatory, defamatory language or images are allowed on the pumpkins or included as a prop.
   6. Attachments are allowed and encouraged, but should all fit within a 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 2 ft. cubed space.
   7. Electronic devices are allowed and encouraged, but must be waterproof and battery powered. We recommend including spare batteries.
   8. All attachments or props must be waterproof.
   9. All props and attachments must be securely fastened so natural forces or accidental touching cannot move them.

 

The Jaycees reserve all rights to reject any pumpkin that is determined unacceptable with or without the artist knowledge. The Jaycees are not responsible for the potential loss or damage to any personal items attached to the pumpkins. All Pumpkins will be donated to the event and will NOT be retuned to the artist.

Where will this event be held?

Naper Settlement from Friday, Oct. 20-Oct. 22 during normal business hours, and during All Hallow’s Eve. Pumpkins will be displayed in the southwest corner of Naper Settlement, between the Harvard Playscape and the farm house.

Do you have to pay admission to go to Naper Settlement?

Regular entrance fees for Naper Settlement apply. Sunday, Oct. 22, is free for all ages from 1-4 p.m.

Visit NaperSettlement.org For More Info

How can you win cash prizes?

There are two ways to win Hack the Jack.

1. Submit a pumpkin for judging and collect enough votes to be awarded first, second or third place prizes.

or

2. Have voted for the pumpkins awarded first, second or third place and have your name drawn from the raffle of that winner.

How is the cash pot divided?

Like most 50/50 raffles, the Jaycees will keep 50 percent of the proceeds and the other 50 percent goes into the primary prize pot. The first place pumpkin wins half of the primary pot; second place wins 30 percent and third wins 20. Since there will be two first, second and third place winners, the pot will be divided evenly between the artist and the raffle winner.

How can I vote?

Click Here to Vote!

How much are tickets to vote?

Tickets are $5 for three, $10 for seven, $25 for 20, and $50 for 50. Remember, each ticket give you three chances to win!

How much can I win?

The more money that goes into the pot, the larger the prize pays out. The Jaycees will keep 50 percent of the proceeds and the other 50 percent goes into the primary prize pot. The first place pumpkin wins half of the primary pot; second place wins 30 percent and third wins 20.

When are pumpkins due?

Pumpkins must be brought to the parking lot (Aurora Ave near Eagle St.) behind the Martin Mitchell Mansion at Naper Settlement on Thursday, Oct. 19, 4:30-9 p.m. Your pumpkin must be fully carved and decorated prior to submission.

What if I miss the Thursday deadline?

Call (901) 461-2232 and speak to Bill Donofrio. The Jaycees cannot guarantee that we can accommodate last minute submissions. Staff at Naper Settlement SHOULD NOT BE CONTACTED. They are not responsible for the pumpkin submissions.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced on Saturday, October 28th at Naperville Plaza in front of Language Star.

Can local nonprofits earn income from this event?

Yes, if your nonprofit would like to help us promote this event, you can also earn revenue. After receiving a personal promo code for your nonprofit, you can begin to earn $3 for each pumpkin submitted in your name as well as 20% of the votes sold using your promo code. Give the promo code out to staff, family, friends, board members, etc… The more your code is used, the more your nonprofit can earn.

To participate and get your code, please submit your current 501(c) certificate from the state of Illinois.

Who are the Naperville Jaycees?

The Jaycees are Naperville’s Young Person’s organization dedicated to philanthropy and volunteerism. We’re committed to building Naperville’s future leaders. From Holiday Food Baskets to our annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Naperville Jaycees help the community by volunteering time, fundraising, helping others and recognizing outstanding effort of others within the community … and we have fun doing it.

Can local nonprofits earn income from this event?
Yes, if your nonprofit would like to help us promote this event, you can get also earn revenue. After receiving a personal promo code for your nonprofit, you can begin to earn $3 for each pumpkin submitted in your name as well as 20% of the votes sold using your promo code. Give the promo code out to staff, family, friends, board members, etc… The more your code is used, the more your nonprofit can earn.To participate and get your code, please submit your current 501(c) certificate from the state of Illinois.

SUBMISSIONS NOW CLOSED