The Tennessee Aquarium’s annual underwater pumpkin carving competition will begin weekly exhibitions throughout ODDtober. Two costumed divers will enter the depths of the Aquarium’s “Nickajack-O-Lantern” Lake exhibit and carve pumpkins while huge alligators and unusual paddlefish lurk in the waters nearby.
After the competition is complete, the public will vote for a winner when photos of both pumpkins are posted to the Aquarium’s Facebook page.
This event will lead off ODDtober, an entire month focused on the weird and wonderful side of nature. Guests will explore the kooky behaviors and adaptations of creatures from around the world through special programs, keeper talks and dive shows.
Underwater pumpkin carving is part of the ODDtober program schedule. Underwater pumpkin carving exhibitions are scheduled each Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Nickajack Lake or River Giants exhibits. However, the Oct. 3 11 a.m. show will be the only competition-style event.