- This event has passed.
Annual Pumpkin dive @ Tyler State Park (canceled)
Pack up your pumpkins.
Because we had many members just returning from the Fiji dive trip and other Dillos who couldn’t join us, our annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving event and OktoberFeast had been canceled. We know. Very sad.
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 18, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | Tyler State Park |
| Theme | Peace, Love, Joy, Empathy |
| Check-in | Day-use area, left of the swim beach. 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. |
🎃 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: Peace, Love, Joy, Empathy
- 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 14.
🏕️ 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!