Halloween is just around the corner, and the Government of the Student Body is busy making preparations.

GSB will be holding a pumpkin-carving contest as part of the George Washington Carver celebration theme Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Pine Room of the Memorial Union.

GSB President Bryan Burkhardt said he is looking forward to the contest.

Burkhardt said the event was coordinated by Heidi Grove and Lisa Dlouhy, co-directors of recreation and intramurals, and Leslie Rasmussen, GSB director of lectures, arts and entertainment.

“I’ve been eager to promote as much of the George Washington Carver celebration as possible, and Leslie, Lisa and Heidi took the idea and ran with it,” Burkhardt said. “We are going to have a very fun-filled event.”

Burkhardt said he likes the way the contest ties into the George Washington Carver celebration theme.

“It’s one way for students to experience something they wouldn’t necessarily experience at ISU,” he said. “The GWC celebration is about providing new and different opportunities for students and perhaps have some fun at the same time.”

Students and different organizations on campus are encouraged to get involved, Grove said.

“We are offering it to all different organizations on campus, such as sororities, fraternities and residence halls,” Grove said.

Grove said GSB has high expectations for the contest, and organizers are anticipating a large number of participants.

“We are hoping for a good turnout. We had a lot of people sign up, and we’ve been good about getting the word out to various organizations,” she said. “If it is successful, we are hoping to see it become an annual event.”

Grove said she has enjoyed the experience of planning the pumpkin-carving contest.

“So far it’s been a lot of work, but it’s been a lot of fun,” she said. “A lot of people are willing to help GSB because they do a lot of things for people on campus, and so the student organizations are happy to get involved and help out.”

In addition to helping out GSB, the contest has a material aspect to motivate students, Grove said.

“We are also having prizes awarded for best pumpkin; we have judges for the different sections,” she said. “Any kind of creative things you want to do are welcome.”

The pumpkins will be lit and judged following the carving at about 8 p.m., Grove said.

After the lighting of the pumpkins, the Student Union Board will be sponsoring scary storytelling in the Browsing Library of the Memorial Union. All students are invited and encouraged to attend both events.