See the winning pumpkin from our 2023 jack-o-lantern contest

Cast your vote on your favorite pumpkin carvings submitted by our readers including NC — the best state in the country, NC State Wolfpack, and construction.

A photo of a black cat and an NC State carved pumpkin.

Reader Ashley P. won our 2023 pumpkin contest with the perfect pumpkin for Wolfpack fans.

Photo provided by Ashley P.

The votes are in for our Pumpkin Carving Contest. Check out the pumpkins below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.

An NC State carved pumpkin.

NC State Wolfpack.

Pumpkin carved by Ashley P.

Winner: NC State Wolfpack

Reader Ashley P. had a little extra help from her kitty, which we will allow. This tuff and intricate pumpkin screams “Go Pack” — and we are here for it.

A pumpkin with the NC state outline.

NC — The best state in the country.

Pumpkin carved by Matthew H.

Finalist: NC — The best state in the country

We have to agree Matthew H., NC is the best state in the country. Here at 6AM City, RALtoday’s parent company, we live by the phrase “pride in place,” and this pumpkin knocked it out of the park.

I-40 sign carved into a pumpkin.

Construction.

Pumpkin carved by Tristan B.

Finalist: Construction

While construction on I-40 can be scary, we have good news for you Tristan B., completion for the I-40 widening project is expected by late 2024. Thanks for the scare.

More from RALtoday
Give your kiddos a summer filled with fun at these local summer camps.
Oscar Diaz, from Durham’s Little Bull and Aaktun, is one of 15 “cheftestants” on season 23 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” and we learned more about his favorite local spots at the Charlotte premiere.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
Discover the top Raleigh business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.
Visit The Magic of the Fourth Ward: A Journey Through Time and Culture at the Martin Marietta Center to learn more about this vibrant neighborhood destroyed by urban renewal.
Microsoft, the world’s No. 4 most valuable company, will bring a data center to a large parcel in Person County.
Explore all 308 acres of Dorothea Dix Park and its top landmarks, history, and more.