Underwater pumpkin carving contest this Saturday

File photo shows scuba instructor and Green Flash Dive owner Joey McDoulett checking out last year’s entries to the first ever Pumpkin Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest in the CNMI. (BEA CABRERA)

The Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest is happening this Saturday at 9am in Lau Lau Bay. This is the second year that this event will take place.

In the contest being held by Green Flash Dive Inc., licensed scuba divers will have the chance to carve a pumpkin underwater, a popular activity during Halloween.

Scuba instructor and Green Flash Dive owner Joey McDoulett, who came up with the idea last year, is expecting more than 20 participants this year. “The event is [intended] to generate interest in diving locally and to have a great time. Aside from awarding the best carved entry, there will be an award for best costume as well. …Participants can use pumpkins, squash, or any other carvable fruit or vegetable—pineapple, tomato, etc.,” he said.

“Divers must have a certification card from a nationally recognized certification agency, must sign a waiver and release agreement, and divers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on the release agreement. Divers under the age of 15 must dive with an adult dive buddy. We are expecting three winners this year to place in third, second, and first place. Last year’s theme was underwater Halloween and it will be the same theme this year,” he added.

Part of the rules will require divers to provide their own pumpkin and carving tools and pumpkins must be cleaned of all seeds and pulp at home. Carvings are judged on creativity and aesthetics. Premium scuba equipment are up for prizes. First place wins a Scubapro regulator, second place wins a pair of Scubapro jet fins, and third place wins a pair of Scubapro twin jet fins.

“There are two places for the costume contest. First place wins 15 free cylinder rentals and second place wins 10 free cylinder rentals from Green Flash Dive. …Non-participants are free to join and cheer on their favorite pumpkin carving or best costume and to enjoy the beach,” McDoulett said.

To join, one needs to fill a registration form and pay $10 at Green Flash Dive located in China Town.

“It is the best Halloween event on Saipan because we have the best judges and this is…the only event that allows local divers to get together and dive at the same time for fun,” McDoulett said.

The awarding ceremony will be at the VFW Post in Garapan starting at 6:30pm. Green Flash Dive, a pioneer in “hydrotastic test” equipment and scuba safety services in the CNMI, is located in Chinatown and is open from Monday to Sunday from 7am to 7pm.

For more information, call (670) 287-3243 or look up “Green Flash Dive Services” on Facebook and Instagram. Its website is greenflashdive.com.