If you prefer to paint pumpkins rather than carve them, there is one important thing you need to know before you display them outside in Illinois.

The Great Pumpkin Debate

There is only one thing I don't love about Halloween, carving pumpkins. I can't stand the mess, the pumpkin guts, or the smell, but my kids love doing it, so I get roped into carving at least one with them every Halloween. (Thank goodness my husband does all the gut scooping!)

dolgachov
dolgachov
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This year my family had a successful growing season and ended up with over 25 pumpkins, but not all of them are carving worthy...what should we do the rest?

Right now I have them displayed in different places throughout our front and back yard but my girls want to paint a few of the smaller orange ones. (Here's one of our displays...we grew all of the pumpkins except the tiny gourds)

Townsquare Meida
Townsquare Meida
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Normally I would be all for my kids painting pumpkins to display outside, but then I noticed this warning from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and now I feel a little guilty.

a painted pumpkin can potentially be toxic to wildlife if they eat it.

If you choose to paint rather than carve your round orange canvas, please keep it indoors and away from any critters who might feast on its painted flesh.

Squirrels may not be my favorite creature roaming the neighborhood, but I certainly don't want my painted pumpkins to kill a bunch of them!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife also warn people that using DIY methods like bleach sprays to extend the life of your carved pumpkins can be dangerous for wildlife too, so just keep in mind what may be munching on them when you place pumpkins outdoors.

Peep These Sweet Pumpkins! Rockford Showing Off Their Carving Skills

We asked to see what people are creating this Halloween and boy did we get to see some mighty fine pumpkin work. Take a look at some of our favorites.

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon

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