Manhattan Beach: Pumpkin Decorating Replaces Pumpkin Races

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The annual "World Famous Pumpkin Races" are canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 in compliance with Los Angeles County health orders to avoid gatherings. In its place, the City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with the Manhattan Beach Downtown Business + Professional Association to host a virtual pumpkin decorating contest.

So, let the pumpkin decorating begin! The pumpkin decorating contest is offering prizes from local businesses in the following categories:

• Best Kids Creation
• Good Enough to Eat
• Most Artistic
• Most Original
• Scariest, and
• Local Love for MB pumpkins.

“While I lament the loss of our typical Halloween celebration, our shared goal with the County is to minimize risk of COVID-19 and prevent future surges in coronavirus cases or hospitalizations,” said Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery in a news release. “I encourage the community to celebrate in accordance with the City’s and County’s recommendations and decorate your pumpkin for the entire community to see virtually!”

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Resident pumpkin decorators are asked to decorate their pumpkins ahead of time and then drop them off at Metlox Plaza at 13th Street and Morningside Drive to be displayed at the “Pumpkin Valet” between 12 noon and 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, the day the "World Famous Pumpkin Races" would have been held and then wander downtown MB to enjoy shopping and dining.

Photos of each pumpkin will be uploaded to a site for viewing. All are welcome to participate and there is no fee to do so, said Jessica Vincent, senior recreation manager for the City of Manhattan Beach. Participants will be provided with contact cards and a ticket at the “pumpkin valet” so officials can identify the pumpkins and notify the winners by Halloween.

"Our goal is to have all the photos uploaded and the viewing available through social media and online on October 26," said Vincent. "The event, in partnership with the City and DBPA, is an opportunity for residents to be creative while decorating their pumpkins to showcase them as they would have at the World Famous Pumpkin Races. Things are different this year, but we’re hopeful residents will join in the fall festivities and come downtown to shop, dine and play."