Tega Cay residents who want to enter a jack-o'-lantern in the city's Pumpkin Palooza contest have until Sunday, Oct. 25, to register, according to the city's Spooktacular Week announcement.

The contest is the first of three events in Tega Cay's Spooktacular Week, which runs Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Carved pumpkins must be dropped off by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the city sign by Memorial Gardens. The finished jack-o'-lanterns will be displayed there each evening, lit by string lights, from Oct. 27 through Halloween night.

Now in its third year, Pumpkin Palooza awards prizes and a trophy in three categories: Most Creative, Most Complicated and Best Traditional. Individuals, families, clubs, church groups and organizations can all enter.

A Revolutionary ghost tour

On Friday, Oct. 30, the city hosts Ghosts of the Revolution, a free living-history event where costumed performers portray soldiers, patriots and everyday people from 1776. Visitors can arrive anytime between 7 and 9:30 p.m. No tickets are required.

YocoNews first reported in October that the event will take place at Catawba Park, near the soccer fields, with performances produced by Sigmon Theatre. The event is funded in part by a grant from the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), the city said.

In coverage published in October, Events Manager Caroline Hasty said, "We are thrilled to work with Sigmon Theatre to bring an immersive experience to Tega Cay that tells the exciting story of our country's history 250 years ago."

Trunk-or-treat on Halloween

On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Boos and Ghouls Trunk-or-Treat takes over the Glennon Center parking lot from 4 to 6 p.m. Children can trick-or-treat from decorated car trunks while a DJ plays music. A costume contest open to all ages rounds out the afternoon. YocoNews reported the costume contest is sponsored by the Tega Cay Lions.

The city is still looking for sponsors and tailgaters who want to decorate a trunk. Interested residents can contact Events Manager Caroline Hasty at the city.

Spooktacular Week at a glance

  • Monday, Oct. 26: Pumpkin drop-off by 5 p.m. at Memorial Gardens city sign
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27 – Saturday, Oct. 31: Pumpkin display, dusk to dark
  • Friday, Oct. 30, 7–9:30 p.m.: Ghosts of the Revolution, free, no tickets
  • Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m.: Boos and Ghouls Trunk-or-Treat, Glennon Center parking lot