News

Announcing the 2025 Jack-O'-Lantern Contest Winners

Congratulations are in order for several community members whose carved pumpkins won the People's Choice voting during NICHES' 2025 Jack-O'-Lantern Hike.

 

Over three magical nights, over 1,000 community members hit the trails and cast their votes for their favorite jack-o'-lanterns from a stunning lineup of nearly 200 entries. Thanks to the creativity, time, and generosity of this year’s volunteers, carvers, and attendees, NICHES raised over $6,000 to support the conservation and protection of our local natural areas.

For the first time in this event’s history, we had a tie for first place! The winning pumpkins were "Eastern Box Turtle" by Rebecca Weis and Ian Polito's "SpongeBob Jelly Fish Jam". Both Jack-O'-Lanterns received 112 votes each and will share the pumpkin prestige and gourd glory of being our 2025 champions.

You can see more of this year's Jack-O'-Lantern Hike photos, including honorable mentions, by clicking here >>

Together, we raised $6,150 for local conservation and welcomed over a dozen new members to NICHES! Huge thanks to all our pumpkin carvers, set-up and tear-down crews, and parking and safety volunteers who make this event possible every year.

Special thanks to the event's sponsors UpLync Communications, Duke Energy, and Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette. Additional thanks to the Wabash and SIA employees who assisted with the event.