Grand Forks Hosts Annual Paint the Patch Pink Contest
The local public health department holds a pumpkin decorating competition to raise awareness for cancer screenings.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Do you believe local awareness contests are effective at encouraging residents to pursue preventative health screenings?
Grand Forks Public Health has launched the sixth annual Paint the Patch Pink competition, inviting residents to submit decorated pumpkins. The event aims to increase awareness for the Women's Way program, which provides essential cancer screenings and diagnostic services.
Why it matters
This initiative serves to connect residents with the Women's Way program, which offers critical health screenings. By engaging the public through a community contest, the department encourages participation in local wellness resources.
The Women's Way unit provided services to 435 women across five North Dakota counties during the fiscal year ending June 29. Currently, 31 pumpkin entries have been submitted toward the event, nearing the record of 34 set in a prior year.
The players
Grand Forks Public Health
This department oversees local health initiatives and manages regional programs for preventative care.
Women's Way
This is a health program that provides cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible women.
The details
Participants can display their pumpkins at the All Seasons Garden Center at 5101 S. Washington St. Entrants submit photographs to Grand Forks Public Health via Facebook or email, with the winner receiving a prize basket donated by three local businesses.
Timeline
Fiscal year ending June 29: Women's Way served 435 women.
October 25, 5 p.m.: Pumpkin contest submission deadline.
October 26, 8 a.m.: Public voting begins.
October 29, 5 p.m.: Public voting closes.
Health Landscape
The Paint the Patch Pink contest supports the Women's Way program's mission to facilitate cancer screening access. This outreach effort mirrors strategies used by regional health departments to increase utilization of preventative medical services.
Residents can participate in the contest to help promote awareness of vital diagnostic services available in their area. Those interested in scheduling a screening through the program can use the campaign to learn more about eligibility requirements.
The takeaway
Community-based contests can effectively bridge the gap between public health resources and local residents. Engaging in these events helps ensure that critical cancer screening programs remain visible and accessible to the public.
Further reading
Learn more about local preventative health initiatives by visiting our Grand Forks Cancer section.
More information
To participate in the selection process, visit the public voting form for pumpkin contest.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Forks Herald.
Live Poll
Do you believe local awareness contests are effective at encouraging residents to pursue preventative health screenings?
