MASSENA -- The Police Activities League of Massena, Massena Drug Free Coalition, Horizons Youth clubhouse and Seaway Valley Prevention Council are partnering up to put on a community wide pumpkin carving competition.

There will be five divisions -- ages 5-9, 10-13, 14-17, 18+ and a Family Division.

Organizers are asking community members to submit pictures until Oct. 29 with their name, age, address and contact information (phone or email address) to massenadfcny@svpc.net.

Business donors and local law enforcement officers will make up the panel of judges, which will be held Oct. 30. There will be a prize basket for each group, made up of donations from local businesses.

"The whole idea is to encourage families to sit down together, put away the phones, turn off the tv and just engage in a fun, fall activity together," said Zachary Monroe, PAL executive director. "We hope that in future years we'll be able convert this to an in-person community wide event and bring everyone back together."

Massena Youth comprised of PAL and Horizons Youth members will kick off the contest on Friday, Oct. 23 with a pumpkins and police carving event located at the PAL Clubhouse, 30 Bayley Rd.

All Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines will be adhered to, as youth will be joined by local law enforcement agencies such as the Massena Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, NY State Police and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department.

To donate a prize to the contest or register a youth to participate in the Oct. 23 event, email info@massenapal.com or horizons@svpc.net for more information.