Annual Pumpkin dive @ Tyler State Park
Pack up your pumpkins.
Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest & Oktoberfest
Join us for this highly entertaining annual event that’s sure to get you into the fall spirit!
Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, October 17, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | Tyler State Park |
| Theme | Something Fishy This Way Comes Turn a pumpkin into a funny or frightening ocean creature: a startled pufferfish, a grinning shark, or a mischievous octopus. Expressions give divers room to be creative with simple cuts.
|
| Check-in | Day-use area, left of the swim beach at the very end of the road. Look for our bright yellow club banners and signs. |
| Park Fee | $6 per person (paid to the park) |
| Event Cost | FREE for Scubadillo members; $10 per guest. |
| RSVP | By Tuesday, October 13, please add your name, people attending, and side dish to RSVP spreadsheet |
🎃 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
Get ready to gear up at 11:00 a.m. The competition begins in the water at 12:00 p.m. (Noon).
Contestants have one hour to create their masterpiece underwater. Prizes will be awarded to the winning pumpkins!
Theme & Categories
- Theme: Something Fishy This Way Comes
- Open Category: Accessories are allowed but must be assembled and fully attached to the pumpkin before surfacing.
- Old School Category: No props or accessories—just the pumpkin.
Essential Rules & Gear
- Preparation: You MUST clean and gut your pumpkin at home. Do not bring un-gutted pumpkins to the park!
- Carving: Your pumpkin must NOT be carved, drawn on, or marked up in any way before entering the water. No stencils are allowed.
- Safety: Please remember to avoid cutting yourself or your dive buddy.
- Litter Prevention: You must bring a mesh bag to collect all carved-out pumpkin chunks and bring them back to the surface. Do not litter underwater.
- Weight: Bring a three-pound weight to help keep your pumpkin submerged.
- Carving Tools: Bring your own carving utensils.
- Prizes: Only one prize will be awarded per pumpkin entry. A buddy team may carve one pumpkin for a single prize or bring two separate pumpkins to be judged individually.
- Post-Dive: Bring a light or candle to illuminate your carved pumpkin after the dive.
- Water Temperature: Prepare for water temperatures in the upper 70s.
🍺 Afternoon Oktoberfest Feast
Our ever-popular Bavarian-style feast, followed by the pumpkin judging and awards ceremony, will begin around 3:00 p.m.
Food & RSVP
Scubadillos will provide the grilled brats, buns, red cabbage, and sauerkraut. Please bring a **side dish or dessert** to share (Oktoberfest-themed food is encouraged, but all contributions are welcome).
Important RSVP Deadline:
We need an accurate headcount to plan for food and prizes! Please RSVP and indicate your potluck contribution on the food signup sheet HERE by Tuesday, October 13.
🏕️ General Logistics
- Socializing: Plan to hang out after the meal and judging to socialize, tell stories, and take photos of the goofy pumpkins.
- Seating: Remember to bring camp chairs for everyone in your group.
- Supplies: Bring sunshades, sunblock, and hats.
- Beverages: Bring your own beverage of choice (please be discreet with any “adult” beverages).
- Travel: Tyler State Park is approximately 90 miles east of Dallas, which is a 1.5- to 2-hour drive.
- Overnight: Some members choose to camp out at the park or stay at a local hotel. Remember, each campsite allows for two tents, which offers an opportunity for campsite sharing.
Knives out! (for the carving) and Fins Up!