A pumpkin painted like “The Scream” by Edvard Munch was on display at the 2014 Festival of Pumpkins. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

‘Tis the season for the fourth annual Festival of Pumpkins at the Washington Public Library.

Harry Potter, Fancy Nancy, the Cat in the Hat, and a little a Downton Abbey pumpkin have made appearances in the last few years. Director of the library Debbie Stanton explains, “People are welcome all month to bring in their painted pumpkins. We ask that they not be carved, because otherwise they don’t withstand the temperatures inside the library. But bring in your painted pumpkins, and we’re really excited to see what people come up with.” While many pumpkins have represented characters during the last three festivals, that is not a requirement. There have been zentangle pumpkins and one to look like a donut. Stanton welcomes pumpkins decorated by all ages from kids to adults, they can be dropped off at the library now through Halloween.

A Pete the Cat was on display with two pumpkins. Photo by Sally Y. Hart